07 October 2024 , 10:46
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Both King Charles and Queen Camilla are gearing up to travel to both Australia and Samoa next week - with the King said to be making a change to cancer treatment while overseas
King Charles will pause his cancer treatment while taking part in a high-profile overseas visit after getting the go-ahead from doctors.
Both he and Queen Camilla are gearing up to travel to Australia and Samoa next week as part of an autumn visit. The King and Queen arrive for a nine-day tour to the countries on October 18, which also includes a four-day visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on the island nation.
Since Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer in February, he has been having weekly treatment. However, it is understood that while this will continue until he is due to travel, the treatment will stop briefly for 11 days while he is out of the country but will then resume when he returns.
It comes as the King has been preparing for the huge trip, his first to Australia since becoming King, by following a renewed health regime, immersing himself in nature and the company of loved ones.
It was revealed that Charles, who has long been an advocate of alternative therapies, has complimented his chemotherapy treatment for cancer with a love of the great outdoors. Sources close to the monarch say the King believes his desire to "get lots of fresh air and encourage family visits" has been a main factor in his continued recovery from the disease.
It is said that ’workaholic’ Charles has had to be "persuaded to be mindful of pacing his diary", he has since found great solace in focusing on his recovery to get back to his best. A source said: “The King, by his very nature, is a workaholic. If he’s not on public engagements, he is working on the next set while staying across his government papers or responding to correspondence.
"He hasn’t really slowed down despite the protests from those around him, but it has been important to him to remain to be seen. Even during his treatment, he was keen to make sure things were in place for him to make a full-time return. Now things are moving in a very positive direction which has enabled him to make long-term plans."
Reports the King could press ahead with 12 engagements a day while in Australia and Samoa were dismissed by aides, who confirmed the utmost care had been taken to tailor specifics in line with palace doctors who are confident Charles will be able to miss out on his scheduled cancer treatment for the period he is away. As part of the visit, Charles and Camilla will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, and visit the “For our Country” memorial, dedicated to the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In the capital Canberra, they will be welcomed to the Australian parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The royal couple will attend a barbeque in Sydney and visit the iconic opera house perched on the harbour. Perhaps most poignantly the King will meet two cancer doctors, both Australians of the Year who were recognised for their work on skin cancer.