For the first time since taking the throne…King Charles will visit Australia in October to talk about climate and wildfires
Next month, King Charles III is set to embark on his first official visit as monarch, a momentous occasion in his reign. Buckingham Palace has announced that he will travel to Australia and Samoa, with the Pacific trip kicking off on October 18. This visit will highlight critical concerns such as climate change, bushfire management, advancements in skin cancer research, and the importance of sustainability and biodiversity.
According to a report from the Central News Agency citing AFP, this upcoming tour marks the King’s first royal engagement since his cancer diagnosis in February. He will be accompanied by Queen Camilla, who is 77, and together they will visit Sydney and Canberra, concluding with attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
Earlier this year, in June, King Charles visited France for a day to take part in D-Day commemorations, and with his treatment showing positive results, he has been gradually increasing his public royal duties.
During their stay in Australia, both the King and Queen are scheduled to meet with cancer researchers and representatives from Indigenous communities. The King will also have the opportunity to inspect the naval fleet at Sydney Harbour.
Buckingham Palace highlighted that this will be King Charles’ first visit to Australia since ascending the throne. He is also set to attend the Commonwealth leaders’ conference in Samoa from October 21 to 26.
Upon arriving in Australia on October 18, the King is expected to tour the Australian Parliament in Canberra.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his excitement, stating, “Australia looks forward to welcoming the King and Queen back to our shores in October, showcasing the very best of the Australian spirit.”
While still undergoing cancer treatment, the King will meet melanoma experts Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer to discuss their groundbreaking research.
Additionally, the King plans to visit the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to learn about their bushfire combat efforts and will participate in a community barbecue in western Sydney to engage with local residents.
