King Charles, 75, ‘makes major decision over future foreign tours’ after Australia trip amid ongoing cancer battle
THE King is planning more foreign tours next year as his cancer treatment continues — because his Australia and Samoa trip proved to be a “perfect tonic”.
A senior Palace official said Charles, 75, had “genuinely loved” the nine-day tour and it had lifted “his spirits, his mood and recovery.”
The uplifting news came after Queen Camilla had a fit of the giggles on their final morning in Samoa — while rain lashed down on her and the King.
The Queen, 77, had tears in her eyes, she was laughing so hard.
It came when a sudden tropical storm brought sideways rain and while Charles was being asked to make an impromptu speech in the village of Siumu.
He had just been declared High Chief of Siumu district.
The overall tour had been shortened to nine days due to Charles’s cancer diagnosis.
As the royal couple flew back to the UK last night, they issued a message saying they would treasure “countless fond memories”.
Buckingham Palace has now told the Government he is ready to go on more trips next year — which will likely see a return to long spring and autumn tours.
One is thought to be in Europe while a second may be further afield.
It’s part of a plan to ensure the King leaves a lasting legacy.
A senior Palace source said: “We’re now working on a full overseas tour programme next year.” The Government will decide on the destinations.
Charles had ordered aides in April — just three months after his cancer diagnosis — that he must travel to Australia and accept the invite from PM Anthony Albanese.
He paused his treatment but will return to weekly hospital trips after returning home.
The Palace source added that Charles has “genuinely thrived” on the success of the trip.
Despite its demands, it had “been the perfect tonic”.
The King’s recovery was also boosted by how well the trip was received.
The engagements were arranged around doctors’ orders and there were no evening jobs in Australia.
But on some days, he carried out as many as ten public jobs in searing heat.
The King and Queen also enjoyed down time, including a rest day.
Charles was said to have read a “good book” when ordered to relax.
But he has also been dealing with government papers flown over for him to read and sign.
It is believed the documents travelled with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and PM Keir Starmer — who later joined the King on the tour.