King Charles to 'pause' cancer treatment during historic royal tour to Australia and Samoa

The monarch will continue his ongoing cancer treatment right up until he flies, but his doctors are happy for it to be briefly stopped while he is away, according to claims in The Daily Mail.

The King will then pick up with his treatment cycle as soon as he returns to the UK.

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February following prostate surgery and has been receiving weekly treatment ever since.

However, the tour is good news regarding his health and emphasises his commitment to duty.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are embarking on a packed schedule with up to 10 engagements a day during their royal visit, and have only one "down day" of rest.

Sources stress, however, that their programme has been organised in close consultation with the King's doctors and that he is "mindful" of his health.

Engagements have been organised to "prioritise" his continued recovery.

His entourage will, as always, include a travelling doctor, which is standard practice for the head of state.

The long-awaited trip is hugely significant as it is his first visit to a Realm, of which he is head of state, since becoming King.

It is also Charles's first CHOGM as the Head of the Commonwealth.

The royal has been urged to slow down by both his wife and advisors, but sources say he feels "energised" by his work, and it has been important for him mentally to keep to his usual routine at such a challenging time.

The King is currently in Scotland, where he will largely remain until it is time to travel.

He will continue to work at Birkhall, his private home close to Balmoral, on state papers and hold pre-CHOGM calls with world leaders, returning to London briefly this week to hold Privy Council, meet with the Prime Minister and undertake medical appointments.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, 77, is planning a pre-tour break this week with friends, it can also be revealed. Details cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

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A source explained: "The fortnight in the run-up to the royal tour has been kept deliberately light for His Majesty. He will still be undertaking meetings, doing his paperwork and still come down for treatment.

"Australia is a big deal and he wants to be fighting fit. As soon as he returns he is also straight into a really intense programme all the way up to Christmas.

"The late Queen would stay in Scotland into October and he's decided to do the same. It's a place of peace for him and that's more imperative than usual this year because of what he has coming up.

"For a workaholic [like him] it's the chance to have a small breather."