LONDON (AP) — King Charles III is preparing to visit Australia and Samoa on a tour from Oct. 18-26, a long trip and test of the monarch’s stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment.
The trip, described Tuesday at Buckingham Palace briefing, marks a watershed moment for the 75-year-old king, who has been slowly returning to public duties after taking a break following his cancer diagnosis in early February. The decision to undertake such a journey spanning 12 time zones will be seen as a sign of Charles’ recovery.
The king is trying to shore up support for the monarchy at home and abroad. The trip will mark the first time since he ascended the throne that Charles will visit one of the 14 countries outside the United Kingdom where the British monarch remains head of state.