Despite having cancer
King Charles III is planning a trip to Australia
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Since it became known that he had cancer, King Charles III. significantly shorter. But he doesn't want to back away from his first trip to Australia in six years. After all, it will be the first visit to the Commonwealth country since his accession to the throne.
Despite his cancer diagnosis, King Charles III. is expected to visit Australia, of which he is head of state, later this year. This is reported by the British Daily Mail, citing the Australian Prime Minister.
It would be the first visit by a reigning monarch in 13 years. Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last visited the continent for eleven days in October 2011. Her successor has also been down under several times, but never as the reigning king. When Charles attended the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018, he was still crown prince.
On February 5, Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old was suffering from a “form of cancer” and was undergoing “regular treatments.” That's why he's not currently doing any appointments. But as soon as his health improves, the Australian government expects a royal visit, according to the Daily Mail. The British newspaper quoted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as saying: “Australia is preparing for a possible visit by His Majesty the King to Australia later this year.”
“Always welcome” in Australia
Albanese continued: “The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support to the King following his cancer diagnosis.” The King, Queen and members of the royal family are “always welcome in Australia”.
Charles has made 15 official visits to Australia over the years. On the last three occasions he was accompanied by his wife Camilla. The next trip would see him catch up with his mother, who visited the country 16 times. Australia is a special destination for the king: He is said to have had a close relationship with the country since he spent two semesters at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria in 1966. He also raved in an interview that his year in Australia was the most pleasant one he had ever had at school.
