King Charles may visit Australia this year despite his cancer diagnosis. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, as reported by local media outlet ABC, that the country is “preparing for a possible visit from His Majesty The King to Australia later this year.”
“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,” Albanese, 61, continued. “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.”
The 75-year-old monarch was anticipated to travel to Australia around the time of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to commence in Samoa on Oct. 24.
Reports of a potential royal visit surfaced earlier this year. According to a source, a government spokesperson informed The Australian newspaper in January that:
“The Prime Minister enjoys a warm relationship with the King and looks forward to welcoming His Majesty to Australia later this year.”
This visit would mark King Charles’ inaugural visit as the country’s sovereign, with his last visit dating back to 2018. Queen Elizabeth, the late mother of King Charles, toured Australia in 2011, visiting Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
Princess Anne was the most recent member of the royal family to visit Australia. The Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, undertook engagements in Sydney in April 2022, including opening the 200th Sydney Royal Easter Show. King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was disclosed by Buckingham Palace on Feb. 5.
The statement followed Charles’ admission for treatment for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic on Jan. 26.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” they continued.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement added.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Despite postponing public engagements, King Charles has continued private meetings and state business, including regular sessions with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The King has been seen attending church at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
His most recent public appearance was on Wednesday in London, where he waved to well-wishers as he departed from his residence, Clarence House.
The day prior, the King was absent from a Thanksgiving Service at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece.
Queen Camilla, aged 76, formally represented the royal family at the service. The King and Queen’s most recent overseas tour occurred in October and November 2023, during which they visited Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya.
