Australia is gearing up for a potential visit from King Charles, despite his ongoing battle with cancer, confirmed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday. Reports emerged in December suggesting that King Charles and Queen Camilla were planning a trip to Australia later this year, possibly coinciding with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. However, these plans were put on hold following news of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis in January.
“The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis,” Mr Albanese said.
“The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia.
“My Government is engaging with States and Territories on options for a possible Royal visit.”
If King Charles proceeds with the visit, it will mark the first time a reigning monarch has visited Australia since Queen Elizabeth’s 2011 trip. Although this would be his first visit as king, King Charles is no stranger to Australia, having undertaken 15 official visits as the Prince of Wales. His most recent trip was in 2018, alongside Camilla, to open the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Australia recently welcomed royalty in November when Prince Edward, King Charles’ brother and the newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh, toured Sydney as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. Additionally, Prince William and Kate have also toured Australia, most notably in 2014 with their son, Prince George.
