King Charles and Queen Camilla are gearing up for their first major overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis, set for October, with visits to Australia and Samoa. This five-day tour will mark King Charles’ first extended trip since his treatment began, but there will be notable changes in their schedule due to his health. Unlike Queen Elizabeth’s extensive tours, this visit will be shorter, focusing on key locations like Sydney and Canberra, with an emphasis on engagements related to the monarch’s recovery and health, including a meeting with melanoma specialists in Australia.

King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, discovered during an unrelated procedure for an enlarged prostate earlier this year, shocked royal followers around the world. Though the specific type of cancer remains private, Charles chose to reveal his condition publicly in an effort to raise awareness about prostate health, despite Queen Camilla’s initial concerns about going public. His decision led to a surge in health-related searches, particularly on the National Health Service website, as many men sought more information about prostate conditions.

While Charles has been recovering, Queen Camilla has taken on an increased role within the royal family, stepping in for her husband in his absence. Her rise in popularity has been noteworthy, with surveys showing a jump in public approval. The Queen has been praised for her strength and dedication during a challenging period, with royal experts and commentators highlighting her ability to balance her duties with personal emotions. Angela Levin and the co-hosts of the popular royal podcast Royally Obsessed have applauded Camilla for her resilience, noting that she has kept calm under immense pressure while dealing with her husband’s illness in private.

Camilla’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. According to friends, she has been deeply concerned about King Charles’ health behind closed doors, even as she put on a brave face during public engagements. Reports have revealed that those close to her have seen her more anxious than ever, but she has continued to fulfill her royal responsibilities without missing a beat, showing immense strength in the face of personal difficulty.

Now, as Charles prepares to return to the public eye, their upcoming tour will serve as a test of how well the monarch is handling his recovery. There will be notable adjustments to the schedule compared to previous royal tours, with shorter stays in fewer cities to accommodate King Charles’ health needs. New Zealand, initially part of the itinerary, has been removed from the tour upon doctor’s advice, signaling the need for the king to pace himself during this journey. Nevertheless, royal experts have emphasized that Charles remains in good spirits, and his treatment is reportedly going well.

Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, recently shared that both King Charles and his mother are coping well with the pressures they’ve faced, describing his mother as “tough” and resilient during this challenging period. While the king and queen have not traveled extensively since Charles’ diagnosis, this tour marks a significant moment in their return to international royal duties.

As they prepare for the tour, the royal couple looks forward to escaping England’s cooler weather and enjoying the warmth of Australia and Samoa. It remains to be seen how King Charles’ health will hold up during the trip, but the adjustments to the schedule and careful planning suggest the monarchy is taking all necessary precautions. Regardless, this overseas visit will no doubt reflect the couple’s dedication to their roles and their determination to continue serving despite the challenges they face.