King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Australia in October, marking the king’s 16th visit to Australia, and his first as sovereign.
The royal pair will travel to the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales (NSW) during their visit, though exact details have not yet been released.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the visit will be a welcome occasion.
“The King has a deep regard for our great nation and has always spoken warmly of the time he has spent here and the astounding beauty of our extraordinary continent.”
The king, 75, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and was off public duties for almost three months before being given a medical clearance to resume.
King Charles Has A ‘Deep Affection’ For Australians
The last time a reigning monarch visited Australia was in 2011, when Queen Elizabeth II spent time in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.The now king and queen previously visited Australia in 2018, where they travelled to regional parts of the nation including the NSW Riverina region and Queensland’s Bundaberg, where King Charles blended his own bottle of rum.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said King Charles had a deep connection to Australia.
“His Majesty the King has a well-known deep affection for and connection to the people of Australia and he was very much looking forward to his first visit to Australia since becoming King,” she said.
“I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties to Australia and, during the visit, showcasing the very best of our modern and diverse nation.”
The royal couple will also pay a visit to Samoa in support of the “strong bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the UK,” according to Buckingham Palace.
As King Charles is still recovering, he was advised against an extended schedule and will not be visiting New Zealand.
The news coincides with the official release of Australian portraits of the King and Queen, provided by Buckingham Palace.
“In the official portraits, The King wears The Sovereign’s Badge of the Order of Australia, while The Queen wears the Wattle Brooch which was gifted to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1954,” Mr. Albanese said.
Australians will be able to request printed versions of the portraits through their federal member of the House of Representatives or senator in their state or territory.
Planning for the Royal Visit is underway and more information will be made available by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
