King Charles scraps plans to visit New Zealand and Fiji in first royal tour since cancer diagnosis
King scraps plans to visit New Zealand and Fiji in first tour since cancer diagnosis
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King Charles has scrapped plans to visit New Zealand and Fiji in his first royal tour since his cancer diagnosis.
The King will travel to Australia and Samoa in the autumn accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, Buckingham Palace announced.
Charles, 75, will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa and is also expected to visit Sydney and Canberra in October.
Plans to extend the tour to New Zealand and Fiji have been scrapped amid the King's ongoing cancer treatment.
King scraps plans to visit New Zealand and Fiji in first tour since cancer diagnosis
Getty
It is not known whether the monarch will still be undergoing treatment at the time of the tour.
King Charles announced his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, one month after undergoing corrective surgery for an enlarged prostate.
The sovereign returned to performing royal duties in April, even travelling to France for the 80th D-Day anniversary celebrations in June.
Doctors advised the King to curtail his upcoming royal tour out of caution.
Charles and Camilla visiting Perth, Australia in 2015GettyA spokesman said: "The King's doctors have advised that such an extended programme should be avoided at this time, to prioritise His Majesty's continued recovery.
"In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only.
"Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding."
The same reason has been given as to why there will be a shorter-than-planned visit to Australia, involving fewer public engagements.
King Charles visiting New Zealand in 2019
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King Charles visiting Fiji in 2005
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The King's spokesman added: "As with all His Majesty's recent engagements, his programme in both countries will be subject to doctors' advice, and any necessary modifications on health grounds."
King Charles is determined for the tour to go ahead, according to reports, as this will be his first trip to Australia since his accession.
Sources in Australia say health concerns mean the King will not be undertaking all-day events, with regular time set aside for rest.
It is understood Charles will visit the New South Wales Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House.
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