King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on their first long-haul trip since Charles ascended the throne, with a visit to Australia and Samoa planned for October. The journey marks a significant departure from previous royal tours, with adjustments made to accommodate the King’s ongoing cancer treatment.

Scheduled from October 18 to 26, the trip will include participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The royal couple’s visit to Australia will be notably shorter than Queen Elizabeth II’s 1954 tour, which covered every state and territory over 58 days. King Charles’s itinerary will focus on Sydney and Canberra, with a more streamlined schedule reflecting the King’s current health needs.

The King’s engagements will emphasize themes of celebration and reflection on his and the Queen’s work, including meetings with leading cancer experts, Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer. The trip’s design allows for rest periods between engagements to maintain the King’s energy levels.

Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker highlighted that the tour has been adjusted significantly from its original plan. Originally, New Zealand was to be included, but it was omitted on medical advice. The King’s schedule will feature a range of activities, including cultural events, military engagements, and a barbecue in Australia, alongside specific events related to cancer and melanoma.

The adaptations underscore a major shift from the exhaustive travel schedules of previous royal tours, reflecting both the King’s health considerations and a new approach to royal duties amidst ongoing treatment.