King Charles could go to Australia and New Zealand this year as part of his next state visit after the leaders of both countries said they want to dump British royals and become republics
- The king must deal with basic diplomatic issues, such as foreign visits
King Charles III may choose Australia and New Zealand as his first foreign visits after the coronation this weekend.
Having been officially sworn in as monarch, the king must now deal with basic diplomatic issues, such as foreign visits to other Commonwealth countries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a private audience with the King just before the coronation, formally inviting him for a state visit.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins did the same when he was a guest at Westminster Abbey.
Both countries are growing in Republican sentiment, with middle-aged voters moving away from notions of monarchy.
King Charles III may choose Australia and New Zealand as his first foreign visits after the coronation this weekend
King Charles and Queen Camilla appear to be making plans to visit both countries before anti-monarchist movements have a chance to build momentum.
If he were to visit the country as part of his overseas tour this fall, it would be the former prince’s first time in Australia in five years.
According to the Telegraph, a source close to the king said: “He only visited Canada last year so it would make sense for him to visit Australia and New Zealand although the invitation has to come from them so it’s not something the king does. or the government can decide unilaterally.’
He has always stood by the decision of the Commonwealth countries to retain the British monarch, as their head of state rests solely with the country’s own people.
In any case, he still hopes that the Commonwealth countries will remain as involved as possible.
Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch to visit Australia during her reign.