Despite his ongoing cancer battle, King Charles is set to make his first trip to Australia as Monarch in late 2024.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on March 3, 2024, that the King will be visiting Australia 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,” Anthony 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.”
Charles and Camilla are expected to tour Australia as part of a long-haul trip including visits to neighbouring countries including New Zealand.
However, Buckingham Palace has yet to formally announce the visit as the travel plans are apparently still in the early stages, yet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed Charles and Camilla’s expected attendance.
Charles and Camilla last visited Australia in 2018.
(Getty)A government spokesman told The Australian newspaper that “the Prime Minister enjoys a warm relationship with the King and looks forward to welcoming His Majesty to Australia later this year”.
In a new book based on King Charles, the author, Robert Hardman explained that he believes the King has a loving relationship with Australia after he spent time here during his schooldays.
King Charles’ visit to Australia will be his first since becoming King, and will be the first visit to Australia by a ruling British monarch since Elizabeth II visited in October 2011.
The royal tour will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, at which both Charles and Camilla are expected to attend.
Taking place in October, the CHOGM occurs every two years and features leaders from the 56 Commonwealth member nations.
The late Queen Elizabeth’s final visit to Australia was in 2011.
(Getty)The last time the British royals visited Australia was in April 2018, when they represented Queen Elizabeth at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, and opened the ceremony.
The late Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times over the course of her reign, each time accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip who sadly passed away April 2021. Her first visit to Australia as Monarch was in 1954, with her final trip being in October 2011.
It is a significant event for King Charles as it marks his first royal tour of Australia since becoming the reigning monarch, and will be the first time for the Australian people to see their new King.
Anthony Albanese and King Charles last met in May 2023 at Buckingham Palace.
(Getty)Since becoming King and Queen, Charles and Camilla have completed state visits to Germany, France and Kenya, and have hosted leaders from around the world.
In May 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace ahead of the King’s coronation.
