King Charles and Queen Camilla issue heartwarming statement after major royal tour

The royals' Australasian tour saw the couple make several appearances Down Under before heading to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Samoa.

Before heading back to Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen visited a sandy beach on the coast of Upolu.

In a heartwarming statement, Charles and Camilla said: "As our visits to Australia and Samoa come to a close, my wife and I would like to thank both nations for the warmest of welcomes and for the countless fond memories we will carry in our hearts for many years to come.

"Even when we are far apart in distance, the many close connections that unite us across the globe and through our Commonwealth family have been renewed, and will remain as profound as they are enduring."

The statement was released late last night, just hours after Charles left a sweet parting message.

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The 75-year-old monarch said: "I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back and see you."

King was also bestowed with an honorary title, "To'aiga-o-Tumua of the village of Siumu".

Queen Camilla was seen wiping away tears in photos from Chogm's closing ceremony but the tears appeared to be from laughter rather than sadness.

In the photograph accompanying the couple's heartwarming statement released last night, Camilla wore a white, linen dress with detailing in several shades of blue.

Meanwhile, Charles opted for a tan, linen suit - with a matching shirt and tie.

The Queen also attached a glittering pair of earrings which were encrusted with several diamonds.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, Charles shocked fans yesterday after an insider revealed the monarch's long-term plan to return to the international circuit.

A senior palace official told GB News: “We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year, which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms.”