Preparations underway for King Charles’ visit to Australia despite health woes

Australia may be graced with the presence of King Charles and Queen Camilla later this year, according to confirmed discussions between the Federal Government and various states and territories.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that plans are in motion to coordinate logistics for the potential visit, emphasising the King’s empathy towards Australians affected by recent natural disasters.

“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 said.

“The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia.”

Should the visit materialise, it will mark the first trip to Australia by a reigning monarch since 2011 when Queen Elizabeth II attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.

King Charles, having visited Australia 15 times previously, last graced the country in 2018 to open the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and explore parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Although a specific date for the visit is yet to be determined, speculation suggests it may coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in nearby Samoa in October.

Chair of the Australian Monarchist League Phillip Benwell welcomed news of the King’s visit.

“We are very hopeful that His Majesty’s cancer treatment will be successful and that he will be well enough to visit Australia, a country in which he was partially educated and has always had a great fondness for,” he said.

“We earnestly trust that the premiers will respond positively to the prime minister’s call and put forward a constructive case for their majesties to visit their state.”

News of King Charles’s possible visit to Australia comes as the Monarch continues treatment for cancer.

The news of the Monarch’s health sent shockwaves globally when, following his three night stay in hospital for a procedure on a benign enlarged prostate, a separate issue was identified.

The Palace later confirmed, through a statement, that subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer, emphasising it’s unrelated to the previous prostate problem.

“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 statement read.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

In the King’s absence, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Queen Camilla have assumed additional responsibilities in carrying out public duties.

-with AAP.