On Sunday, October 20, 2024, King Charles III abruptly left a luncheon being held in his honor at New South Wales’ Parliament House in Sydney, Australia, after only 10 minutes, sparking worries about his health status. The King has been bravely continuing his Australian tour amid his ongoing cancer therapy. The short-lived appearance at the event underscored the King’s struggle to fulfill his royal obligations while managing his health condition.
The King, who is 75, landed in Australia on Friday after pausing his cancer treatment for a duration of 11 days to carry out this essential overseas tour. Despite the health-related anxiety, Charles gave a brief speech and offer the lawmakers a symbolic gift before departing early. Playing on the theme of passing time, he gifted an hourglass to the parliament, hinting at its forthcoming chapter and the necessity of brevity. The King’s humorous gesture of flipping the timer before leaving promptly incited laughter, leaving his hosts and the sand in the hourglass still marking the moment.
Insiders from the royal tour disclosed that the King is accompanied by two physicians and a supply of blood, underlining the gravity of his illness. Following his early exit from the lunch, prior to the main course being served, Charles was not set to make any public appearances until the following day, Monday, October 21.
This journey represents Charles’s inaugural visit to Australia as the reigning monarch, a tour that was almost called off due to his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The itinerary has been meticulously modified to suit his health requirements, including the removal of evening commitments and state dinners. Based on medical guidance, New Zealand was taken off the tour plan. Buckingham Palace stated that it was a decision reached “in collaboration” with the Australian and New Zealand governments, and acknowledged it as a “tough decision”.
Royal assistants have been candid regarding the King’s diagnosis and treatment, but they have refrained from disclosing the type of cancer the King is battling or the specifics of his treatment. “His health is on a positive trajectory,” they report. It is evident that the King’s treatment is ongoing, and his cancer necessitates regular medical supervision. However, his health is stable enough for his physicians to approve this trip, and his therapy has been put on hold for its duration.
The King’s resolve to proceed with the tour has been noted by both supporters and critics. Thomas Keneally, founder of the Australian Republic Movement, accepted an invitation to meet the royal couple, acknowledging the significance of the visit despite his contrasting political perspective.
The first visit by a sitting monarch in over a decade has reignited debate in Australia about the suitability of a British royal remaining head of state. Recent surveys suggest that 45% of Australians support maintaining the country as a constitutional monarchy, while 33% favor transitioning to a republic. This indecisiveness among the Australian populace adds an additional complexity to King Charles’s first tour as king.
Throughout his life, King Charles has generally been in good health, barring minor sports-related injuries and two mild cases of COVID-19. However, the current cancer diagnosis has necessitated a significant reduction of his public engagements and a reassessment of his responsibilities as king.
Despite the health-related challenges, King Charles remains dedicated to performing his duties as Head of State. His determination to complete this tour, albeit in a diminished capacity, illustrates the importance he places on sustaining robust ties with Australia and other Commonwealth countries.
