King Charles’ doctors allow him to ‘pause’ cancer treatment during high-profile Australian tour

The King’s doctors are allowing him to “pause” his cancer treatment in order to fly to Australia for a high-profile royal visit next week.

The 75-year-old monarch will undertake a significant official visit beginning on October 18, taking in Sydney and Canberra, immediately followed by a State Visit to Samoa in the South Pacific where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The Mail understands that His Majesty will continue with his ongoing cancer treatment right up until he flies but that his doctors are happy for it to be briefly stopped while he is away.

The King will then pick up with his treatment cycle as soon as he returns to the UK.

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February following prostate surgery and has been receiving weekly treatments ever since.

However, the news that the King intends to ‘squeeze in’ a 30,000-mile, 11-day door-to-door trip in between treatments is good news in terms of his health, but also emphasises the commitment to duty he has shown since he was first diagnosed.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The King and Queen Camilla are embarking on a packed schedule with up to ten engagements a day between them and only one ‘down day’ of rest.

Sources stress, however, that their programme has been organised in to slow down by both his wife and advisers, but sources say he feels “energised’” by his work – and it has been important for him mentally to keep to his usual routine at such a challenging time.

On Wednesday he hosted a reception at St James’s Palace to celebrate the Commonwealth Diaspora ahead of his CHOGM visit. He appeared on great form, even taking to the floor to show off his moves in a Samoan dance.

However, in order to manage his recovery ahead of his visit Down Under, the King returned to Scotland immediately afterwards where he will largely remain until it is time to travel.

Meanwhile the Queen, 77, is planning a pre-tour break this week with friends. Details cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

A source explained: “The fortnight in the run-up to the royal tour has been kept deliberately light for His Majesty. Australia is a big deal and he wants to be fighting fit. As soon as he returns he is straight into a really intense programme all the way up to Christmas.”

Other sources say His Majesty seems in ‘very good spirits’ personally. His treatment has gone far better than anyone anticipated.