King Charles still planning Australia visit
King Charles is still planning to visit Australia this year, with officials Down Under starting to plan an itinerary.
King Charles is still planning to visit Australia this year.
The 75-year-old monarch announced last month he had been diagnosed with cancer and though he has withdrawn from public-facing duties while undergoing treatment, he and Queen Camilla are still scheduled to head Down Under in October and early November.
The government is currently consulting on the schedule, which will coordinate with the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa, and is also likely to include trips to surrounding countries such as New Zealand.
And the Australian government are asking for submissions from premiers and chief ministers as they compile an itinerary of states or territories to include in the visit.
Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister said: ‘‘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.
“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 the visit goes ahead, the king would become the first reigning monarch to visit Australia since 2011, though Charles - who spent six months studying at the Timbertop, Geelong Grammar School in Victoria - made the most recent of his 15 working trips there in 2018 as Prince of Wales.
His sons, Princes William and Harry have also made visits to Australia in recent years.
The king's schedule will likely be decided closer to the time depending on his health, but he would typically be expected at the heads of government meeting the week of 21 October as Head of the Commonwealth.
