Next week, Australia is set to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their first significant international tour since the King’s coronation.

On October 18, the King and Queen will arrive in Australia, with scheduled visits to Sydney and Canberra, before continuing on to Samoa. This Australian tour will mark Charles’ inaugural visit to a Commonwealth realm as monarch—one of the 14 nations outside of the UK where he serves as head of state.

A Historic Return

This will be King Charles’ 17th visit to Australia, surpassing the 16 trips his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made beginning in 1954. The upcoming tour aims to deepen the enduring bond between Australians and the British monarchy, a relationship that has withstood the test of time.

However, this visit may also rekindle the republic debate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently appointed a minister responsible for the republic, highlighting the growing discourse on whether Australia should pursue an independent head of state.

Renewing a Familiar Debate

Queen Elizabeth II, the first reigning monarch to set foot in Australia, disembarked from the royal barge in Sydney in 1954. Her 70-year reign concluded in 2022 with a grand celebration just weeks before her passing, temporarily stalling republican ambitions out of respect. Plans for a referendum on the issue were paused indefinitely in 2023 after Australians voted against expanding political rights for Indigenous citizens.

During this visit, Charles is expected to bolster support for the monarchy, both at home and abroad, as he marks his second year as King.

A Monarchial Visit Amidst Changing Times

As recent history shows, the Commonwealth is evolving. Following Jamaica’s announcement of its plans to transition to a republic by 2025, Barbados officially severed ties with the monarchy in 2021, with Charles present to witness the handover.

Now, as King, Charles is engaging in what many view as a diplomatic mission to reinforce the monarchy’s relevance, particularly in Australia. This tour also represents his first as sovereign, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Commonwealth connections.

A Test of Stamina and Support

This visit will test not only the public’s response but also Charles’ resilience. The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer earlier this year, requiring a break in his regular treatment schedule for the tour. The King will be accompanied by his physician during this 11-day trip, which includes a carefully planned itinerary of engagements and travel time on either side.

On medical advice, the schedule has been slightly reduced, allowing the King to rest and acclimate. Nevertheless, he and Queen Camilla are determined to attend as many events as possible, including Queen Camilla’s engagement with her charity, GIVIT.

Reflecting on Charles’ Past Visits to Australia

Australia’s last royal visit was in 2018, when Prince Harry and Meghan attended the Invictus Games. Here’s a look at Charles’ previous visits to Australia:

• 1966: Charles first visited as a 17-year-old schoolboy, spending two terms at Timbertop, the rural campus of Geelong Grammar School.

• 1967: Charles represented his mother at the memorial service for Prime Minister Harold Holt, who had disappeared while swimming near Portsea, Victoria.
• 1970: Joined by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Princess Anne, Charles visited Australia to mark 200 years since Captain Cook’s arrival.
• 1974: Charles made his first visit to Bondi Beach, while also making a brief stop in Brisbane as an officer aboard the Royal Navy frigate HMS Jupiter.

• 1977: During a memorable 1977 tour, Charles appeared on Countdown, where host Molly Meldrum’s nervousness provided a lighthearted moment.

Charles’ Enduring Connection to Australia

• 1981: Charles visited as a newly-engaged man, once again taking a swim at Bondi Beach.
• 1983: Charles brought Princess Diana and their young son, William, on what was the largest tour yet, attracting record-breaking crowds.
• 1988: Charles and Diana returned to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial, famously dancing together in Melbourne.

Charles’ visits have often featured memorable moments, from his interactions with Australian beachgoers to high-profile events attended alongside Diana.

Prince William and Princess Kate’s First Engagement Post-Chemotherapy

This week, the Princess of Wales made her first public appearance since completing chemotherapy, joining Prince William in Southport to meet with families affected by a tragic incident in July.

Kate and William spent time with the families of three young victims of the knife attack, a gesture of support and solidarity during their private meetings.

Following the engagement, the couple shared a message on social media, signed with “W & C,” underscoring their personal connection to the grieving community. This was the first joint engagement for William and Kate since her 2023 Christmas carol concert.

Kate’s Courageous Return to Public Duties

The Southport appearance was Kate’s first since beginning cancer treatment in January. Her first engagement since announcing her recovery was last week, when she met a young cancer patient at Windsor Castle.

With the approach of the holiday season, Kate is anticipated to host her Christmas Eve carols TV special again, signifying her gradual return to her duties.

King Charles’ tour of Australia will not only reinforce the monarchy’s connections with the Commonwealth but also evoke reflections on the institution’s future. As Charles and Camilla embark on this historic trip, it underscores both the continuity of tradition and the evolution of the monarchy in modern times.