What to Expect for the October 2024 Visit
In October 2024, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will embark on a highly anticipated visit to Australia. This visit marks the King’s first official tour as the reigning monarch since ascending to the throne as King of Australia. The King and Queen were crowned in London at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023. The trip is set to reinforce the King’s warm, longstanding relationship with Australia on what will be his 16th official visit. This trip will be the first visit to Australia by a reigning monarch since 2011.
King Charles (as Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla (as Duchess of Cornwall) last visited Australia during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which took place on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The 2024 visit to the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales will precede the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on 21-25 October in Samoa and will focus on our shared values and deep cultural and historical ties.
Here’s what we know so far about the visit by our King and Queen.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
King Charles’s visit to Australia is more than just a ceremonial affair; it is an opportunity to further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two Commonwealth nations. With a focus on collaboration and our mutual interests, the visit is expected to include meetings with Australian leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn. These meetings will likely address global challenges such as trade and mutual security, reflecting the shared priorities of both nations.
‘I was fortunate to spend time with His Majesty in May. His Majesty The King has a well-known deep affection for and connection to the people of Australia and he was very much looking forward to his first visit to Australia since becoming King,’ the Governor-General said.
‘I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties to Australia and, during the visit, showcasing the very best of our modern and diverse nation.’
Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn
Celebrating Cultural Connections
Australia’s rich cultural diversity will be celebrated during King Charles’s visit, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of traditions and communities that make up our highly successful multicultural nation. The visit is expected to include events that highlight Australia’s Indigenous culture, as well as its thriving arts and cultural scene.
King Charles may attend cultural performances, art exhibitions, and community events that celebrate Australia’s multicultural fabric. These engagements provide an opportunity to honour Indigenous Australians’ contributions and acknowledge the importance of cultural exchange and understanding.
Community Engagement
Throughout their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to engage with various communities across Australia, fostering a sense of connection and goodwill. From meeting with local leaders to engaging with volunteers and organisations, the Royal Couple will likely focus on community-driven initiatives that reflect their lifelong passions.
King Charles’s itinerary may also include visits to schools, hospitals, and charitable organisations, highlighting the importance of education, healthcare, and community service. These engagements reflect his longstanding commitment to charitable work and his interest in supporting initiatives such as the King’s Trust that make a positive impact on society.
Finally
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit to Australia in October promises to further fortify the bonds between the United Kingdom and Australia. With a focus on diplomacy, cultural celebration, and community engagement, the visit will underscore the shared values and interests of both nations. As Australia prepares to welcome our King and Queen, the visit is certain to leave a lasting impression and reinforce the enduring relationship between our two Commonwealth countries.
The Palace says that further details of the trip are to be announced ‘in due course’.
Stay tuned for more updates as the details of the Royal visit unfold, and please join us in celebrating this historic occasion!
God Save the King!