King Charles III, wearing his Irish Guards uniform, and Queen Camilla watched a Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15, 2024. Trooping the Colour, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade, is an annual military event marking the official birthday of the British monarch. The tradition dates back to the reign of King Charles II in the 1700s. The event involves a parade featuring all seven regiments of the Household Division, with the Irish Guards taking a prominent role this year. Following the parade, a spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace delighted the gathered crowds.

Later in the year, King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Australia and Samoa from October 18 to 26, 2024. This trip holds significant importance as it marks the King’s first visit to Commonwealth nations since his ascension to the throne. The visit comes amid the King’s ongoing treatment for cancer, which was announced earlier in the year. The King’s medical team has approved his travel, with necessary adjustments made to ensure his rest and recovery between engagements. However, this tour will not include New Zealand, a notable change from customary royal tours of the region.

In a notable shift, the term “walkabout” will be avoided during the Australia and Samoa visit out of respect for Indigenous cultures in Australia. In Indigenous Australian traditions, a “walkabout” refers to a cultural practice of reflection and personal transition, which differs significantly from the royal practice of greeting the public. This decision reflects the Royal Family’s efforts to show cultural sensitivity and respect toward Australia’s Indigenous communities. Walkabouts, popularized by Queen Elizabeth II during her visits to Australia and New Zealand in the 1970s, have been a key part of royal tours ever since.

Despite his health challenges, King Charles has maintained a busy schedule. He attended major events such as the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France on June 6, 2024, hosted by the UK Ministry of Defense and the Royal British Legion. His ongoing treatment has led to some adjustments to his public engagements, but Buckingham Palace has expressed optimism about his recovery, allowing the King to resume many of his royal duties.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal