Amidst his battle with cancer, British monarch King Charles III is set to embark on an extensive royal tour in Australia and Samoa, taking a temporary hiatus from his treatment.
- Oct 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - King Charles III, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, is taking a brief pause from his cancer treatment to undertake a significant royal tour in Australia and Samoa. The royal couple is scheduled to leave on October 18 and will be engaged in various activities and events during their 11-day trip.
The monarch has been receiving weekly treatments since being diagnosed with cancer in February 2024. While the specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, Charles previously underwent surgery for a benign enlarged prostate.
According to reports, doctors have given their blessings for the king to temporarily halt his treatment for the duration of his tour. Buckingham Palace announced, "His Majesty will continue with his ongoing cancer treatment right up until he flies, but that his doctors are happy for it to be briefly stopped while he is away."
This tour marks King Charles' first major international engagement since his cancer diagnosis. Accompanied by Queen Camilla and a travel doctor, the royal couple plans to attend up to 10 engagements per day, with one rest day built into their schedule to prioritize the king's health. Their itinerary includes stops in Sydney, Canberra, and Samoa, where Charles will participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Prior to embarking on this tour, King Charles has remained active in his royal duties despite his diagnosis. In late April, he made his first public appearance post-diagnosis at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.
He has since attended various events, highlighting the importance of early cancer detection. His commitment to public duties continues to inspire, although his wife, Queen Camilla, and royal advisors have urged him to slow down.
Family continues to play a supportive role, especially given the recent health challenges faced by others within the royal household. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was also diagnosed with cancer in March 2024 but announced in early September that she is now "cancer-free" having completed chemotherapy. Her openness about the journey brought attention to the complexities of battling cancer.
In anticipation of the upcoming tour, King Charles has taken a lighter schedule recently to ensure he is in the best health possible. "Australia is a big deal, and he wants to be fighting fit," a source told the Daily Mail. The King's commitment to his duties and his resiliency in the face of his health challenges serve as a testament to his dedication and strength.