In a significant shift in royal protocol, King Charles and Queen Camilla's upcoming tour of Australia and Samoa in October 2024 will see the retirement of the term "walkabout" in favor of "opportunity to meet the public." This change reflects a growing sensitivity to Aboriginal culture, where "walkabout" holds deep spiritual significance.
The nine-day tour, the first long-haul journey since King Charles' cancer diagnosis in February 2024, has been carefully planned to balance royal duties with the monarch's health needs. The itinerary includes rest periods and excludes evening engagements in Australia, demonstrating the palace's commitment to the 75-year-old King's well-being.
During their visit, the royal couple will engage in activities that celebrate the unique cultures of both nations. In Australia, they will participate in a community barbecue in western Sydney and learn about bushfire prevention and native plants. The Samoan leg will feature a traditional 'Ava Fa'atupu welcome and a visit to a mangrove forest, highlighting the island's rich cultural heritage and environmental importance.
"We've had to make some difficult decisions about the programme with the Australian government, about where Their Majesties can get to."
The tour also carries political significance. It occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about Australia's constitutional future, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese known for his republican stance. However, these plans have been temporarily shelved following the 2023 referendum on indigenous rights.
A highlight of the Australian visit will be the royal couple's meeting with Prof Georgina Long and Prof Richard Scolyer, named Australians of the Year 2024 for their groundbreaking work on melanoma treatment. This engagement underscores the tour's focus on health issues, particularly relevant given the King's own cancer treatment.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa will mark King Charles' first as head of the organization, a role he inherited upon ascending the throne. This event, attended by representatives from 56 member states, showcases the evolving nature of the Commonwealth and its continued relevance in global affairs.
As the royal couple embarks on this carefully crafted tour, they aim to strike a balance between honoring tradition and embracing change, all while navigating the complexities of modern monarchy in a diverse and evolving Commonwealth.