Despite the British monarch’s latest cancer diagnosis, Australia is preparing for a “possible” visit by King Charles III this year, the prime minister announced on Monday.
Although Charles made 15 formal visits to Australia as a prince over almost six decades, this would be his first visit as a sovereign.
“Australia is preparing for a possible visit from his majesty the king to Australia later this year,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“The king has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis,” the Australian leader said.
The monarch of the former colonial power Britain continues to serve as Australia’s formal head of state, as stipulated by the country’s constitution.
According to Albanese, the federal government was discussing possible visitation alternatives with the territories and state governments.
Charles’s most recent trip to Australia was for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
His first visit occurred during his two semesters as an exchange student at the prestigious Geelong Grammar School, which is located close to Melbourne, in the 1960s.
The king announced last month that he had been diagnosed with cancer, just 17 months into his reign following the death of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022.
