Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a royal tour to Australia and Samoa in October, as announced by Buckingham Palace. This visit marks the 75-year-old monarch's first trip to a Commonwealth realm since ascending the throne. The royal couple will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, with engagements planned in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings are held biennially, with this year's theme focusing on 'One Resilient Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth.' The visit to Samoa aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the UK.
Despite speculation about a potential visit to New Zealand, it was decided to limit the tour to Samoa and Australia due to health considerations. King Charles III, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, continues to prioritize his recovery with guidance from medical professionals.
Charles' recent public engagements include attending D-Day commemorations in France, appointing Keir Starmer as prime minister following a Labour Party victory, and marking significant anniversaries in Scotland and Wales. The royal couple's upcoming tours will be subject to health advice, ensuring necessary modifications are made if required.
As Australia debates the relevance of a long-distance monarch, Charles' visit will serve as a test of his popularity as head of state. The nation, which opted to remain a constitutional monarchy in a 1999 referendum, has not shown immediate signs of moving towards republicanism despite some political figures advocating for change.
While plans for a potential Australian republic referendum have been discussed, current priorities focus on addressing pressing domestic challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis. The royal couple expresses gratitude for the support and understanding of all parties involved in the tour arrangements.
