King Charles fighting off 'greater risk' by undertaking royal tour with Queen Camilla

This move highlights the growing pressure on the monarch to visit Commonwealth realms that recognise him as their head of state.

The tour proceeds despite the King's recent cancer diagnosis, underscoring its significance. However, it also presents a potential catalyst for republican sentiments in Australia, where campaigners are rallying under the slogan: "Wave Goodbye to Royal Reign with Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour."

Dr George Gross, founder of the British Coronations Project at King's College London, argues that the risks of not undertaking such visits outweigh the potential embarrassment from protests.

Speaking to Newsweek, he stated: "If you don't make these visits, what does that say?" Gross emphasised the importance of maintaining connections with the public, warning that failure to visit could lead to a sense of disconnection.

He added: "If you don't make the visit, that's more significant than making it." While acknowledging the inherent risks in public engagements, Gross contends that the "greater risk" lies in abstaining from such tours.

This perspective underscores the delicate balance the monarchy must strike between visibility and vulnerability in an era of changing attitudes towards royal institutions.

Recent polling data on Australian attitudes towards the monarchy presents a complex picture. A 2023 YouGov survey showed support for becoming a republic rising from 20 per cent to 32 per cent, yet still trailing the 35 per cent who favoured remaining a constitutional monarchy.

More recent polls have yielded conflicting results. The Australian Republican Movement cites data suggesting that 92 per cent of Australians are open to breaking with the monarchy.

Conversely, the Australian Monarchist League points to a News Corps' Pulse of Australia poll indicating 45 per cent oppose becoming a republic, while 33 per cent support it.

This divergence in poll results underscores the ongoing debate about Australia's constitutional future and the challenges facing the royal tour in gauging true public sentiment.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• George, Charlotte and Louis set 'exciting adventure' after 'tough year'
• Kate's statement sparks heartfelt message in response
• Beatrice settles for Topshop while Fergie wears £1,000 blouse

Philip Benwell, national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League, praised King Charles for undertaking the tour despite his cancer treatment.

In a statement, Benwell said: "He should be applauded for his bravery, not insulted by these Australian and British Republicans." On the other hand, Esther Anatolitis, co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, framed the visit differently.

She stated: "Australians all over the continent tell us they're keen to see a warm, positive conversation about the future of the monarchy in Australia, seeing this visit as the last tour of a king and queen of Australia."

Anatolitis added: "We expect a full-time, fully committed head of state whose only allegiance is to us—a unifying symbol at home and abroad."