King Charles and Queen Camilla adjust visit plans to avoid New Zealand
- King Charles and Queen Camilla will not visit New Zealand on their Australia and Samoa trip.
- Doctors advised against further extension to the visit, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
- The royal couple will proceed with their visit to Australia and Samoa in October.
In a significant royal announcement, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Australia and Samoa this autumn. The royal couple will embark on a tour of both countries in October 2024, celebrating the strong bilateral relationship between Samoa and the UK. Their itinerary includes attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) 2024, which brings together delegations from 56 countries across various regions. However, the anticipated visit to New Zealand has been canceled due to King Charles' ongoing treatment for cancer. The Palace spokesperson stated that the King's doctors advised against an extended program to prioritize his recovery, leading to the decision to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only. The couple's travel plans are subject to doctors' advice, with any necessary modifications to be made based on health grounds. The announcement of the altered travel plans coincided with Kate Middleton's public appearance at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, where she presented the trophy to the tournament winner. Kate, who is undergoing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis, made her second public appearance since March. Meanwhile, King Charles, 75, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, will make his first visit to Australia as monarch, with the federal government expressing excitement and warm welcome for the royal visit. The upcoming royal visit to Australia marks a significant event, as it will be the first by a reigning monarch since 2011. The Australian government officials have expressed their anticipation and readiness to showcase the best of their nation during the King and Queen's visit. Further details of the visit to both countries are expected to be announced soon, with the Palace emphasizing that the couple's program will be adjusted as needed based on medical advice. King Charles' return to public duties while undergoing cancer treatment underscores the importance of his continued recovery and well-being.