Buckingham Palace announced this morning that the monarch will embark on a tour including royal visits to Australia and Samoa.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In Australia, the program will feature engagements in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The state visit to Samoa will celebrate the “strong bilateral relationship” between Samoa and the UK.
A spokesperson stated that Their Majesties would not be visiting New Zealand on this tour, based on advice from medical experts. “The King’s doctors have advised that such an extended program should be avoided at this time to prioritize His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
“Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”
His Majesty the King is wearing the Badge of the Sovereign of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ) suspended around his neck. The photograph of the King with the badge was taken by Millie Pilkington in 2024.
The palace also noted that the “limited program” in Australia was informed by the doctors’ advice. “As with all His Majesty’s recent engagements, his program in both countries will be subject to doctors’ advice and any necessary modifications on health grounds.”
The King has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, which was announced earlier this year. Charles last visited Aotearoa with Camilla in 2019 when he was Prince of Wales.
This morning, new official portraits were released of c and Queen Camilla, wearing their New Zealand Royal Honours. The portraits were taken in the White Room at Buckingham Palace in June.