Australia, Samoa tour ‘perfect tonic’ for King Charles, who’s now set to return to normal program of work

King Charles is said to be preparing to return to his regular work program despite ongoing treatment for cancer after his tour of Australia and Samoa was “the perfect tonic” for the 75-year-old monarch.

Reports from the UK suggest the King “genuinely loved” the nine-day tour, which included his first visit to Australia as King.

The King and Queen Camilla on Saturday left Samoa, where he addressed Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, capping off his intense tour.

Buckingham Palace is now reportedly said to be confident next year’s schedule for His Majesty can be busier, telling those who decide the countries on the royals’ destination list the slots for royal tours — usually overseas in spring and autumn — have reopened for 2025.

“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking, full overseas tour program for next year, which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms,” a senior member of the King’s team told the UK broadcaster ITV.

Doctors are still said to have to tick-off on any additional travel plans.

The King’s tighter tour of the Pacific than first planned — no New Zealand and Australia cut to four days with just one evening function — is thought to have given him a chance to catch his breath and unwind, to an extent.

Royal insiders told ITV he even brought a book to read for pleasure — which is unheard of.

“He normally reads his briefing notes for relaxation,” said one source familiar with the King’s daily schedule.

Senior staff close to the King are now reportedly confident they could potentially go anywhere with him and Queen Camilla.

Camilla is reported to have been a major support for Charles, and “very good” and telling him and royal staff when he needs to slow down.

Another source told ITV it was hard to overstate the joy Charles had taken from being in public, among crowds and engaging with communities.

The treatment for Charles’ cancer is not known but he is thought to be a strong supporter of a “mind, body and soul approach” — which is supported by work like his Pacific tour.

Sources also suggested to ITV that challenges like being shouted at by Senator Lidia Thorpe and discussions about Australia becoming a republic had been brushed off, largely leaving Charles “completely unruffled” because he’s “been around a long time”.