King Charles will reportedly “pause” his cancer treatment later this month as he heads off on a tour of Australia and Samoa.
The monarch is visiting Sydney on October 18, before taking a trip to Australia’s capital Canberra.
He will also be making a state visit to Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
MailOnline reports that the 75-year-old sovereign’s doctors are happy for him to temporarily stop treatment while he is away.
Sources understand that he will resume treatment once he arrives back in the UK after his 11-day trip.
Inside King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Australia tour
The King and Queen Camilla will have up to 10 engagements a day during the visits.
Sources claim that they have organised the program “in close consultation” with his doctors.
The pair’s entourage will include a travelling doctor, which is standard for the head of state on an overseas trip.
The trip will mark the King’s first visit to one of the realms since taking over from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Last week, the King hosted a reception to celebrate the Commonwealth Diaspora at St James’ Palace.
He then returned to Scotland, where he will rest until he travels to Australia.
A source alleged: “The fortnight in the run-up to the tour has been kept deliberately light for His Majesty. He will still be undertaking meetings, doing his paperwork and still come down for treatment.
“Australia is a big deal and he wants to be fighting fit. As soon as he returns he is also straight into a really intense programme all the way up to Christmas. The late Queen would stay in Scotland into October and he’s decided to do the same.
“It’s a place of peace for him and that’s more imperative than usual this year because of what he has coming up.”
King Charles first visited Australia in 1966 as a 17 year old, to study at Geelong Grammar School for one term.
He has visited a number of times over the years, most recently in 2018 when he and Camilla visited Sydney and the Gold Coast to open the Commonwealth Games.
King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
King Charles shocked the nation in February when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer.
A statement from Buckingham Palace at the time read: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention. This was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
ED! has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
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