King Charles jets off from Heathrow Airport ahead of gruelling nine-day Australia tour with 36 engagements
King Charles is jetting off from Heathrow Airport ahead of his gruelling nine-day Australia tour – with 36 engagements planned.
Charles, 75, was pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport to catch a commercial airline ahead of the eight-day trip.
He was driven to the airport’s five-star Windsor Suite in a convoy of vehicles this morning.
Staff were seen picking out only three suitcases from the back of the King’s vehicle for his eight-day trip Down Under and State Visit to Samoa.
But it is understood the plane will be packed with its luggage for his royal entourage.
He will be met by Camilla in Singapore who is travelling separately after a private break.
They will both then change flights and head on to Sydney and arrive late on Friday night for an official welcome.
Charles, 75, who has been treated for cancer since he was diagnosed in February, and wife Camilla, 77, will have a ‘rest day’ on Saturday.
Claims he will watch the $20million Everest race at Randwick are believed to be wide of the mark.
He kicks off the trip in Sydney on Sunday before visiting Canberra and speaking at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next week.
It comes as several Aussie State Premieres have snubbed an invite to meet the King.
But a recent poll revealed Aussies are less in favour of ditching the King for a Republic than during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
He is flying 10,500 miles Down Under becoming the first monarch to visit since 2011.
The trip includes a party at Sydney Opera House and he will deliver a speech at Parliament House in Canberra.
He will hold a poignant face-to-face with two pioneering cancer doctors during his trip.
Despite his cancer treatment he will still pack in 36 engagements on eight days with Queen Camilla.
The trip also includes a State Visit to Samoa in the South Pacific – where he will make an address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Charles, 75, announced he had cancer in February and spent two months off front line engagements while he had weekly treatment.
He ordered aides to “supercharge” efforts to travel to Oz in April after positive reaction to treatment.
Sources close to the King insist his treatment is on an ‘upward trajectory’ and he will travel Down Under with royal doctors.