King Charles III to Undertake First Official Visit to Australia as Monarch

King Charles III is set to embark on his first official visit to an overseas Commonwealth realm as Monarch, marking a significant milestone in his reign. The King and Queen will commence their tour on October 18, 2024, visiting Australia and Samoa. Their agenda includes attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, a first for King Charles as Head of the Commonwealth.

The royal visit to Australia will include stops in Sydney and Canberra, where King Charles III’s enduring passion for the environment will be showcased. His Majesty will tour the National Botanic Gardens on Black Mountain and engage with scientists at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) who are focusing on bushfire impact and environmental resilience.

King Charles first visited Australia in 1966, and he has made numerous official trips since then, the most recent being in 2018. His previous visits have fostered a lasting personal affection for the country. During this visit, he will meet with a diverse range of Australians, from politicians to cultural and scientific leaders, to discuss critical themes such as climate change.

The visit also includes a symbolic moment as King Charles and Queen Camilla will be hosted at Australia’s Parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a known republican. Despite differing views on the monarchy, Albanese has previously expressed admiration for Queen Elizabeth‘s longstanding influence.

Queen Camilla’s engagements will address issues such as domestic violence and childhood literacy. As patron of GIVIT, she will highlight the charity’s efforts in supporting vulnerable communities and will participate in a Commonwealth reading challenge event with children.

In Samoa, the royal couple will focus on cultural engagements, including interactions with young people and representatives from community and faith groups. King Charles will plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden, furthering his environmental advocacy by marking a new section called ‘The King’s Garden‘. Meanwhile, Camilla will visit educational and support institutions, exemplifying her continued advocacy for social issues.

The visit signifies a continuation of King Charles’s commitment to engaging with Commonwealth nations and addressing global challenges such as climate change. It also marks an optimistic return to international duties following the King’s recovery from health issues earlier this year, signaling stability and continuity in the monarchy’s global engagements.