King Charles III Plans Historic Visit to India Early Next Year
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20, 2023 In a significant move, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III is planning an official visit to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh early next year. The royal tour is part of a government-led charm offensive and a personal health boost following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
According to UK media sources, Queen Camilla will accompany the King on the Indian subcontinent tour. The senior palace official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the royal family is working on a "pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program" for next year, which marks a high point in their international engagements.
The British government sees this visit as an opportunity to establish significant economic links outside of Europe, particularly within the Commonwealth nations. King Charles' earlier planned visit to India was abandoned after Queen Camilla's passing in September 2022. However, the monarch and Queen visited Bengaluru for a private tour last month, where they stayed at an integrative medical facility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his enthusiasm to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla, indicating a strong willingness from the Indian government to host the royal couple. The British Foreign Office has authorized officials to initiate discussions with potential host nations for royal visits.
The 76-year-old monarch was diagnosed with cancer in January and took a temporary step back from royal duties. He returned to work in April after meeting patients at a cancer centre in London. King Charles successfully completed a tour of Australia and Samoa in October, which reportedly lifted his spirits.
According to sources, Buckingham Palace is making long-term plans for the King's resumption of international travel next year, subject to medical advice. The news comes as a welcome boost, considering the challenging year the monarch has had.
"It's hugely encouraging to be able to make such plans for the King and Queen given the year the monarch has had," said a source, adding that the tour will hold huge political and cultural significance for Britain on the world stage.