King Charles and Queen Camilla to skip WA in visit to Sydney and Canberra on shortened trip to Australia

Charles and Queen Camilla will skip WA on their tour Down Under in 2024, with the King opting to stay on the east coast for his first trip to Australia since becoming monarch.

In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the trip to Australia and Samoa had been scaled back in order to prirotise the King’s recovery from cancer.

“The King and Queen will visit Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government, where their program will feature engagements in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

“Their Majesties’ State Visit to Samoa will celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the UK.”

It is understood the program will include a black-tie affair at Parliament House in Canberra, and a visit to NSW Parliament, which is celebrating its bicentenary this year.

“In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only,’’ the palace said.

“Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Royal couple’s west coast snub on Monday morning, revealing the King and Queen would travel only to Canberra and Sydney.

“I am honoured to welcome The King and Queen on their first Royal Visit to Australia later this year, they are always welcome visitors,” Mr Albanese said

“The King has a deep regard for our great nation, and has always spoken warmly of the time he has spent here and the astounding beauty of our extraordinary continent.

“I look forward welcoming The King and Queen back to Australia for this important visit.”

While the visit to Australia, timed to coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October, is the King’s first as sovereign, it will be his 16th in total.

WA minister Stephen Dawson described the decision as “disappointing”.

“It’s disappointing that we won’t get a royal visit to Western Australia this year, obviously the King has been unwell, and I believe advice was given that if he wants to do a visit to Australia, it probably should be a truncated one,” he said.

“Of course the King as Prince has spent much time here previously, I’m sure we’ll get a visit from him in the future.

“The Premier did write and did invite the King to Western Australia, but it’s not to be this time.”

WA Premier Roger Cook had previously written to the King, offering the State as a logical first stop on the Royal tour.

“On behalf of the State, the Cook Government has promoted several uniquely Western Australian experiences to the Commonwealth that would leave the King and Queen with memories they won’t be able to get anywhere else in the nation or indeed the world,” Mr Cook said in a statement.

“We would of course welcome the royal couple to visit our great State and enjoy some of the wonderful experiences and adventures that make us the Western Gateway to Australia, noting the King has successfully toured here many times before.

“The King has repeatedly expressed a deep appreciation for the environment and nature, and that is why witnessing the rich biodiversity WA has to offer provides an opportunity close to the King’s heart.

“We will continue to work with the Commonwealth on what we believe would be a highly appealing stop on the royal couple’s tour to Australia later this year, centering around our State’s unmatched physical and cultural attributes.”

King Charles’ rejection of the State Government’s request means he has turned down visits to WA Museum Boola Bardip, Rottnest Island and the Matagarup Bridge precinct — all suggestions made by the Premier in his letter.

The official announcement of the trip was paired with the release of the King and Queen’s official Australian portrays

In the official portraits, Charles is pictured wearing The Sovereign’s Badge of the Order of Australia, while Camilla is wearing the Wattle Brooch originally gifted to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1954.

Australians can request printed versions of the portraits through their Federal Member of the House of Representatives or Senator in their state or territory.