Albo’s huge royal visit announcement
A visit to Australia by King Charles could be back on the cards despite his ongoing cancer battle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Sunday Australia is preparing for a possible visit from King Charles later this year.
“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,” Mr Albanese said.
“The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia.
“My Government is engaging with States and Territories on options for a possible Royal visit.”
In December, it was reported King Charles and Queen Camilla were planning on visiting the country later this year.
It was initially suggested the monarch’s visit would coincide with a broader trip to the region for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
However, the possible itinerary was put on the back burner after news His Majesty was diagnosed with cancer in January after undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate.
If King Charles does decide to visit later this year, it’ll be the first time a reigning monarch has stepped foot in Australia since the late Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 2011.
But King Charles is no stranger to the sandy shores of Australia, having made 15 official visits as the Prince of Wales.
His most recent trip was in 2018, when he visited with Camilla to open the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Australia was most recently visited by a royal in November, when King Charles’ brother, Prince Edward, had a whirlwind tour of Sydney as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The 59-year-old met with some of the program’s participants, volunteers and community leaders during his visit.
Edward became the Duke of Edinburgh in 2023, two years after his father Prince Philip’s death left the title vacant.
Prince William, and his wife, Kate, have also enjoyed touring Australia, having most recently visited in 2014 with baby Prince George.
