During their tour, Their Majesties will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024.
The King, 75, and Queen, 76, will visit Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government, with engagements planned in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
Their State Visit to Samoa will celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the U.K. Concerning their visit to Australia, a Palace spokesperson said: “Their Majesties will visit the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Samoa. The King’s doctors have advised that a further extension to Their Majesties’ trip should be avoided at this time, to prioritise His Majesty’s continued recovery.
“As with all His Majesty’s recent engagements, his programme in both countries will be subject to doctors’ advice, and any necessary modifications on health grounds.”
This will be the first trip Down Under by a reigning monarch since 2011, when Queen Elizabeth II made her final visit. Charles and Camilla last visited Australia in 2018, representing the late Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Games. Queen Elizabeth II made 16 visits to Australia during her reign, each accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Her first visit as monarch was in 1954, having stopped in New Zealand en route, with her final visit in October 2011. To prioritize King Charles’ continued recovery, Charles and Camilla will not undertake an extended program and will not visit New Zealand as part of their tour.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only.
“Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”
