King Charles’ health contingency plans for upcoming Australia, Samoa tour revealed

King Charles has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since February, removing a stop to New Zealand on his upcoming tour of Australia and Samoa as a result. Photo / Getty Images

The King will be visiting Australia and Samoa later this month in a royal tour that originally included stops in New Zealand.

King Charles is reportedly taking two doctors and a supply of his blood on his upcoming tour of Australia and Samoa.

The monarch, 77, who has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since February, will apparently have the medics on standby 24 hours a day during his upcoming royal trip from October 18 to 26.

According to a report by The Times, Charles will be “monitored closely during the visit”, with a palace source adding Michael Dixon – head of the royal medical household and known for his interest in homeopathy – “will not be travelling” with His Majesty.

Charles’ visit to Sydney and Canberra will be his first to a Commonwealth realm since becoming king in May, and it is understood he is pausing his chemotherapy treatment until after the trip.

The Times added steps taken to support Charles abroad are “the same as arrangements put in place for the late Queen”.

King Charles has his photograph taken with New Zealand's Black Ferns rugby union team on the Grand Staircase at Buckingham Palace on September 11 in London. Photo / Getty Images

They will also apparently include travelling with a supply of the King’s blood to ensure a match if a transfusion was needed, The Times added.

It said as well as travelling with his own doctors, the King will be supported by medical teams during the trip.

In Australia, Charles’ itinerary will include a rest day and there will be no evening engagements.

But Charles and his wife Queen Camilla, 77, will arrive in the evening in Samoa and are due to attend a state dinner.

Buckingham Palace said in April Charles was “greatly encouraged” by news from his doctors he could resume public duties while his treatment continued.

Despite the encouraging signs over Charles’ health, a planned visit to New Zealand was dropped from the upcoming tour due to his health.

Charles told the nation’s female rugby squad at a reception for them in Buckingham Palace in September: “I’m extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October – it’s on doctors’ orders.

“But I hope there will be another excuse (to come) before too long.

“In the meantime, give my love to New Zealand.”