King Charles is temporarily pause his cancer treatment to embark on a royal tour, the most significant since his diagnosis earlier this year. In the coming days, he will visit Australia and Samoa alongside Queen Camilla. According to the media, his doctors have approved a brief pause in his treatment so he can focus on his royal duties while still prioritizing his health. This journey is notable as it marks his first visit to a Commonwealth Realm as King and his first participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as the Head of the Commonwealth.
On October 7, media reported that King Charles received clearance from his doctors to suspend his cancer treatment for 11 days and will resume it upon his return to the UK. The tour, which begins on October 18, will see the 75-year-old monarch traveling to Sydney and Canberra before heading to Samoa for CHOGM.
Despite the packed itinerary of up to ten engagements per day and just one rest day, the King will be accompanied by a medical team to ensure his well-being throughout the trip. Buckingham Palace released an official statement confirming Charles was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February after undergoing prostate surgery and has been receiving weekly treatment since. While the palace has not provided recent updates on his progress, the King was seen resuming his routine royal duties in the UK after a brief pause.
During this treatment break, the King’s doctors have reportedly outlined a new daily regimen for him, which includes dietary changes. He has now been advised to incorporate lunch into his routine—something he has traditionally skipped due to his busy schedule. With some encouragement from Queen Camilla, the King has reluctantly agreed to this change, starting with small meals like half an avocado to help maintain his energy levels during the taxing royal engagements.
While King Charles fulfills his royal obligations in the coming days, his estranged son, Prince Harry, has also been actively engaged in diplomatic endeavors. From New York to Lesotho, the Duke of Sussex is focusing on causes dear to him and his late mother, Princess Diana. He has been meeting with key donors and charities, though notably without his wife, Meghan, who is reportedly busy managing her business, American Riviera Orchard, in California.