King Charles and Queen Camilla opted for a quieter second day during their royal tour of Australia, choosing to forgo public engagements.
Following a warm reception on their arrival and a busy first day, the couple decided to take a “rest day” to recharge and adjust to the time difference.
Their Australian tour, which began on Friday, marks the King’s most significant overseas trip since his cancer diagnosis, and his first visit to Australia as head of state. The visit will also coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, which will be his first as Head of the Commonwealth.
At 75, the King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. He is expected to pause his treatment during the trip, resuming it once he returns to the UK.
The couple’s itinerary includes meeting locals at a community barbecue in Sydney and reviewing the Australian naval fleet in Sydney Harbour. In Canberra, they will be welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and meet with professors working on melanoma skin cancer research.
The royal schedule has been carefully planned to allow the King to rest and conserve his energy after long-haul flights. A Buckingham Palace spokesman stated that adjustments to the itinerary were made in consultation with both Australian and New Zealand governments, taking into account the King’s health needs.
After Australia, the King and Queen will continue their trip in Samoa, where Charles will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and focus on sustainability and biodiversity, while Queen Camilla will champion causes related to literacy, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
