King Charles III left a lunch event held in his honor after just 10 minutes on Sunday, October 20, 2024, raising concerns about his health as he continued his tour of Australia while undergoing cancer treatment. The brief appearance at New South Wales’ Parliament House in Sydney showcased the monarch’s challenges as he balances his official duties with his ongoing health issues.
The 75-year-old king arrived in Australia on Friday. He had paused his cancer treatment for 11 days to undertake this significant overseas tour. Despite his health concerns, Charles managed to deliver a short speech and present lawmakers with a symbolic gift before his early departure. Acknowledging the inevitable passage of time, he presented an hourglass to the parliament as a symbolic nod to its next chapter, suggesting it could also help keep things short. The gesture sparked laughter, especially as the king flipped the timer before making a swift exit, leaving the sand—and perhaps his hosts—still processing the moment.
Sources close to the royal tour have revealed that the King is traveling with two doctors and a blood supply, highlighting the seriousness of his medical condition. After leaving the lunch before the first course was served, Charles was not scheduled to make any public appearances until Monday, October 21.
This visit marks Charles’s first trip to Australia as monarch, a tour that was nearly canceled due to his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The schedule has been carefully adjusted to accommodate his health needs, including removing evening engagements and state dinners from the itinerary. On medical advice, New Zealand was removed from the schedule. Buckingham Palace said it was a choice made “in collaboration” with the Australian and New Zealand governments, and acknowledged it was a “tough decision”.
Royal aides have been open about the King’s diagnosis and treatment, but they have never revealed the type of cancer the King has nor offered details of the kind of treatment he’s receiving. “His health is on a positive trajectory,” they say. What is clear is that the King’s treatment is ongoing, and his cancer requires regular medical management. However, he is well enough for his doctors to sanction this trip, and while he is away, his cancer treatment has been paused.
Supporters and critics have noted the King’s determination to proceed with the tour. Thomas Keneally, founder of the Australian Republic Movement, accepted an invitation to meet the royal couple, acknowledging the visit’s significance despite Keneally’s opposing political stance.
The first visit by a reigning monarch in over a decade has reignited discussions in Australia about whether a British royal should remain head of state. Recent polls indicate that support for Australia remaining a constitutional monarchy currently stands at 45%, compared to 33% support for becoming a republic. This ambivalence among the Australian public adds another layer of complexity to King Charles’s first tour as king.
Throughout his life, King Charles has generally enjoyed good health, aside from minor sports-related injuries and two bouts of COVID-19, both of which resulted in only mild symptoms. However, the current cancer diagnosis has forced a significant scaling back of his public engagements and a reevaluation of his role as monarch.
Despite the health concerns, King Charles remains committed to fulfilling his duties as Head of State. His determination to complete this tour, even in a reduced capacity, speaks to the importance he places on maintaining strong ties with Australia and other Commonwealth nations.
