King and Queen to avoid New Zealand state visit due to cancer

The King and Queen are set to visit Australia and Samoa on the royal tour

Author: Rory GannonPublished 14th Jul 2024

King Charles and Queen are set to miss out New Zealand on their upcoming tour of the South Pacific.

The royal couple are due to be visiting Australia and Samoa on the trip, which is set to be taking place in October.

However, due to the King's ongoing cancer treatment, it has been announced that medical professionals have advised against the King and Queen extending their tour further.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, a spokesperson said: "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."

As the couple begin their trip in the autumn, the pair will visit Australia at the invitation of the country's newly elected government.

During their time in Australia, several engagements have been arranged in New South Wales, as well as the Australian Capital Territory.

When the King and Queen visit Samoa, they are set to celebrate the "strong bilateral relationship" between the UK and the island nation.

As well as this, the pair will attend the Commwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which brings together leaders from 56 different countries across the world.

Further details on the royal tour will be revealed in due course, once arrangements are finalised.

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on the hour, every hour, at Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on your DAB radio, online at Forth1.com, or say ‘Play Forth 1’ on your Smart Speaker.