King Charles III to embark on Australia and Samoa tour amid cancer recovery

King Charles III will undertake a significant tour of Australia and Samoa next month, marking his first visit to these Commonwealth nations since ascending to the throne. The trip, scheduled from October 18-26, will span a dozen time zones and will be a notable test of the 75-year-old monarch’s stamina as he recovers from recent cancer treatment.

The announcement, made by Buckingham Palace on September 10, highlights a key milestone in Charles’s return to public duties following a hiatus since his cancer diagnosis in early February. The visit to Australia will be Charles's inaugural trip to one of the Commonwealth realms as king, a role he has held for two years. This journey reflects his ongoing efforts to reinforce support for the monarchy both domestically and internationally.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously pursued a referendum to establish Australia as a republic, but this initiative was postponed after a recent referendum failed to secure support for increasing political rights for Indigenous Australians.

The tour will commence in Australia and conclude in Samoa, where Charles and Queen Camilla will participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. This will be Charles's first attendance at this biennial event as head of the Commonwealth, a role he assumed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

In Australia, the King’s engagements will celebrate Australian achievements, while in Samoa, the focus will be on the Commonwealth’s values and collaborative efforts. The palace described the tour as a way to honor and showcase the best of both nations and the King and Queen's ongoing work.