King Charles cancer diagnosis: First Australian visit since becoming monarch now in doubt

King Charles’ planned visit to Australia is in doubt following his cancer diagnosis.

Buckingham Palace on Tuesday revealed the monarch, 75, had begun regular treatments for cancer and would postpone public duties.

The King was expected to tour Australia in late 2024, as part of a broader trip to the region for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October in Samoa. It would have been his first official trip to Australia in his capacity as monarch, and his first time back in the country since 2018, when he attended the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Before that was in 2015, during a tour with Camilla, who is now his Queen.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the news of the diagnosis was difficult.

“All Australians will be sending their best wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery,” he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

“We want to see His Majesty return to full duties as soon as possible.

“We have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that is able to occur.”

Following the diagnosis, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton urged men not to delay a visit to the doctor.

“We wish every best wish to King Charles ... he’s a stoic individual,” he said.

“There’s a message the palace wants to get out as well ... make sure you go and have a check-up because early detection is important.”

The Australian Monarchist League said the best wishes of all Australians would be with the King and his family.

“It will be a real pity for all those who were looking forward to that very exciting prospect of having the King of Australia come and be here with us,” Chairman Eric Abetz told ABC radio.

“Let’s see how this develops and let’s hope the medical team for King Charles can deal with this matter as quickly as possible.”

The palace hasn’t confirmed the type of cancer the King has, only that it was found during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.