King Charles opens up on 'doctor's orders' preventing his plans
King Charles III provided a rare health update during a meeting with New Zealand's women's rugby union team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.
PA
King Charles III provided a rare health update during a meeting with New Zealand's women's rugby union team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.
The monarch revealed that he will not be able to visit New Zealand during his upcoming tour in October due to "doctor's orders".
This candid remark came as the King continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, which Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024.
Despite the health concerns, the palace has recently unveiled the itinerary for the King and Queen Camilla's trip to Australia and Samoa, set to begin on October 18.
King Charles III provided a rare health update during a meeting with New Zealand's women's rugby union team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.
PA
During his meeting with the Black Ferns, King Charles expressed his regret, saying: "I am extremely sorry I can't come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor's orders.
"But I hope there will be another excuse before too long."
The monarch added a warm message to the country: "But in the meantime, give my love to New Zealand, please, and New Zealanders, we get lots of nice Kiwi coming here in this part of the world as well, so we are very lucky indeed."
The remarks provided an insight into the King's current health situation and his affection for New Zealand.
It will also reflect aspects of the King and Queen's work, according to Buckingham Palace.
PA
The upcoming royal tour to Australia and Samoa, scheduled from 18 to 26 October, will be packed with engagements focused on celebrating the best of both nations.
It will also reflect aspects of the King and Queen's work, according to Buckingham Palace.
The trip marks several firsts for Their Majesties. It will be King Charles' first visit to a Commonwealth Realm as monarch and his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa as head of the 56-member bloc.
In Australia, the royal couple will visit Parliament in Canberra, attend receptions, and review the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney.
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King Charles also shared a lighthearted moment with the young athletes, remarking: "And I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you don't stay young for very long, as I discovered, it all goes quicker than you think."
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King Charles also shared a lighthearted moment with the young athletes, remarking: "And I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you don't stay young for very long, as I discovered, it all goes quicker than you think."
This comment prompted laughter among the rugby players, which in turn made the monarch chuckle.
The King continued: "Anyway, I do hope you have great success."