In a major update on King Charles' plans for 2024, Australia is still preparing for a potential visit from the King despite his recent cancer diagnosis. The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, was scheduled to embark on a royal tour Down Under, marking the first royal visit to Australia since 2018. However, concerns arose regarding the King's health, casting doubt on the plans.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Australia's readiness for a possible visit from King Charles, stating, "Australia is preparing for a possible visit from His Majesty The King to Australia later this year." He acknowledged the King's compassion towards Australians affected by recent natural disasters and expressed gratitude for the support shown to the King following his cancer diagnosis. The Prime Minister's remarks were reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, emphasizing that the King, Queen, and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia.
The feasibility of the visit hinges on the King's well-being. Nevertheless, the government has already begun engaging with states and territories to explore options for a potential royal visit. The anticipation of King Charles' visit comes in conjunction with the news of Queen Camilla's temporary departure from royal duties for a sunny vacation overseas.
Queen Camilla, aged 76, has assumed prominent responsibilities as the most senior royal in the absence of King Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge, who have both been attending to medical matters away from the public eye. However, she will be taking a week-long break from her duties, embarking on a private holiday via a private flight.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward commented on the Queen's absence, raising questions about who is in charge during such a critical time with several key royals unavailable. Prince William, the heir to the throne, also canceled a major engagement recently for undisclosed personal reasons.
Amidst these developments, Queen Camilla has admirably fulfilled her royal obligations, undertaking 13 official engagements in the past month. She has attended multiple events solo, where she would typically have been accompanied by her husband. Praised as the monarchy's "savior" for keeping "the show on the road" during King Charles' absence, she led the royal family in commemorating the life of King Constantine of Greece at Windsor Castle and hosted a reception immediately afterward. Additionally, she hosted the wife of the Ukrainian president at her London residence to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In light of Queen Camilla's demanding schedule and the health concerns within the family, it is believed that King Charles insisted she take a break to rest and rejuvenate. This holiday serves as an encouraging indication that the King is progressing well in his cancer treatment.
The Queen is expected to resume her duties on March 11, where she will stand in for King Charles at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. During her absence, other members of the royal family, including Prince William, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, will likely undertake public engagements.
As for King Charles, he remains in London, taking time off to recover from surgery following his cancer diagnosis last month. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, aged 42, has not made any public appearances since Christmas Day, as she underwent scheduled abdominal surgery. While speculation regarding the princess's health circulated online, her office released an update emphasizing that significant updates would be provided according to the guidance outlined in January. They assured the public that she continues to recover well.
Comments
Post a Comment