The 64-year-old was scheduled to visit Australia in October to attend the Festival of Fiction as a special guest.
A statement shared on the Festival’s official Instagram read: “With regret, Sarah, Duchess of York has decided to withdraw from the Festival of Fiction, so as not to distract or detract in any way from the tour of Australia by His Majesty the King, which has recently been announced.”
“Due to exceptional demand, she will be returning to Perth on November 1 at 6.30pm for a special event at Joondalup Resort and apologises to anyone who is inconvenienced by the change of date.”
According to the Festival’s website, the mother of two “will be discussing her prolific career as an author of over fifty books and sharing details about her latest exciting projects.” The palace confirmed Their Majesties’ autumn royal tour of Australia and Samoa last week.
King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, will visit Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government, with engagements scheduled 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 UK.
Regarding 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.”
