King Charles III is set to arrive in Australia this Friday for what is expected to be his most physically demanding trip since announcing his cancer diagnosis in February. His subjects await him with a certain indifference, according to reports. British media have stated that doctors have permitted the king to pause his treatment for the duration of the journey, which will also take him to the Samoan islands for a Commonwealth meeting.
This marks the first time a sitting British monarch has set foot in Australia since 2011, when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was welcomed by large crowds.
A Six-Day Visit
At 75 years old, the king is scheduled to embark on a roughly 20-hour flight, landing in Sydney on Friday evening. In his honor, a video montage showcasing his 16 royal visits to Australia will be projected on the Sydney Opera House. After six days in Australia, Charles and his wife Camilla will cross the Pacific Ocean to the Samoan islands.
During his Australian visit, Charles is expected to emphasize the dangers of climate change, a pressing issue in a country affected by bushfires and flooding. He will also meet with scientists at a research lab focused on cancer. Opportunities for public engagement are planned, including an event in front of the Sydney Opera House and a large barbecue.
Widespread Indifference Among Australians
Despite the significance of the visit, the Australian public remains largely indifferent, with only a handful of staunch monarchists and ardent republicans showing enthusiasm. Polls indicate that about one-third of Australians wish to abolish the monarchy, another third want to maintain it, while the remaining third are undecided.
Australia holds a special place in King Charles III’s heart, filled with cherished memories. He first visited in 1966 at the age of 17 for a stay at the isolated Timbertop school in the mountainous region of Victoria.
Charles returned to Australia with his wife, Diana, in 1983, drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the “People’s Princess” at iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House. During a visit in 1994, an incident occurred when a man fired two blank shots at the heir to the throne while he was delivering a speech at Sydney Harbour.
This article is originally published on estrepublicain.fr
