King Charles ‘keen to go ahead’ with Australia visit later this year despite cancer diagnosis

King Charles III poses during the recording of his Christmas message at Buckingham Palace on December 7, 2023 in London, England. Photo /Getty Images)

King Charles is reportedly keen to go ahead with plans for a State visit to Australia later this year after a positive start to his cancer treatment.

The 75-year-old monarch has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since earlier this year when the disease was picked up during a hospital visit to deal with an enlarged prostate - and now a new report suggests he’s thrilled with how his treatment is going and wants to plough ahead with plans to fly Down Under in October.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “The King is raring to go and keen to get on with the job.”

The insider added he is “over the moon” following a positive start to his cancer treatment and is now “supercharging” plans for a two-week trip which will cover Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

The report suggests he will be accompanied by Queen Camilla and the tour will include “significant down-time” to make sure the King feels well enough to carry out his engagements.

The king cancelled all of his public-facing royal duties as he started his cancer treatment, but was seen out and about again when he attended the Easter Sunday March 31 service at Windsor Castle with the Queen by his side.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles at Sydney Opera House. Photo / Getty Images

He is also believed to be hoping to attend the Trooping of the Colour to mark his official birthday celebrations in London in June.

A source previously told the Daily Mail newspaper: “There are a number of key events His Majesty would love to attend coming up in the diary and this [the Trooping of the Colour] is at the top of the list.”

The Trooping of the Colour is a ceremonial event held annually to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. It’s also known as the Sovereign’s Birthday Parade and takes place in London with the monarch joining a procession of around 1200 soldiers and musicians and more than 200 horses.

It involves a fly-past and an appearance by the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The Daily Mail’s report suggests King Charles had been keen to ride his horse Noble - a gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - during the event on June 15 but he may have to watch from a carriage or a podium instead.