The monarch will spend five days in Australia, specifically in Sydney and Canberra, in October before traveling to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This visit marks the first time a king has visited Australia in over a decade, with the last visit being by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. It will also be the king’s first visit since his coronation in 2022 and his 16th overall visit to the country.
The tour was initially planned to include New Zealand as well, but based on medical advice from the king’s doctors, it will now only cover Sydney and Canberra. This decision comes as the king has been undergoing weekly cancer treatments since being diagnosed in February, with his daughter-in-law also accompanying him for support.
During their time in Australia, the royal couple will participate in various events and meetings. The king will focus on environmental protection and climate change discussions, while the queen will engage in conversations about family and domestic violence. Both will attend a Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy and join a community barbecue celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the royals to Parliament House in Canberra, where they will also visit the Australian War Memorial and the National Botanic Gardens. In Sydney, the king will meet with scientists at the CSIRO to discuss bushfires and cancer research, while the queen will interact with children at a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop.
Albanese expressed his excitement for the royal visit, highlighting it as an opportunity to showcase Australia’s culture, community, and contributions to global progress. He noted the king’s strong personal connection to the nation and his commitment to visiting despite his health challenges.
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