King Charles and Queen Camilla set to embark on royal tour in Italy to 'make up for lost time'

This visit would mark a significant return to a full royal schedule for the King, who is determined to "make up for lost time" following his recent health issues.

The tour, to be conducted on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, aims to strengthen UK-Italy relations in the post-Brexit era.

Palace sources indicate that Charles is "raring to go" and "incredibly positive" about future plans, despite his health challenges earlier this year.

The King's determination to resume a full schedule comes after a successful tour of Australia and Samoa. A royal source told The Mirror that Charles is "keen to make up for lost time" given his ailments this year.

The monarch, who turns 76 on November 14, spent three nights in hospital in January for a prostate procedure. He was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.

Despite ongoing weekly treatments, Charles was deemed well enough to undertake the two-week Australia and Samoa tour. This included attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last month.

Palace officials have announced that the King is set to return to a "full programme" next year. This includes plans for a high-profile tour in the spring and a major royal tour in the autumn.

The planned Italy visit will see the King and Queen representing the UK, with a schedule designed to further the relationship between the two countries.

This tour could include a meeting between King Charles and Pope Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church since 2013.

The royal couple last made an official visit to Italy in 2017, spending six days in Florence, Rome, Naples and the Vatican. That trip was dubbed a "Brexit tour" to smooth European-UK relations.

Queen Elizabeth II made five trips to Italy during her reign, from 1951 to 2014. She regularly met with the Pope and Italian presidents, visiting key cultural sites.

A royal source told The Mirror: "A visit to Italy would provide a fantastic opportunity for the King and Queen to represent the UK and take in some of the incredible sites of one of our closest neighbours."

The King's health update comes after a challenging year. Despite ongoing cancer treatments, he has been given the green light by royal doctors to plan future engagements.

The Italy tour represents a significant step in Charles's return to full duties. It also highlights the monarchy's role in post-Brexit diplomacy.

Prince William is set to travel alone to Cape Town next week for his Earthshot Prize environmental project.

Plans for a royal visit to Canada have been postponed due to the country's upcoming elections.

A spring tour in 2026 is being considered instead.

Buckingham Palace has stated that any travel plans for the King and Queen would be confirmed in due course.