King Charles III, Queen Camilla to embark on royal tour of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
PTC Web Desk: Britain’s King Charles III is reportedly set to visit the Indian subcontinent early next year, accompanied by Queen Camilla. The official tour, which includes stops in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is part of a government-led initiative to strengthen economic ties with Commonwealth nations post-Brexit. It is also seen as a morale boost for the King, who continues to recover after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, UK media reported.
According to GB News, the British monarchy is finalising an ambitious overseas tour programme for 2024. “We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour programme for next year, which is a high for us to end on,” a senior palace official was quoted as saying.
This royal visit comes after a previously planned trip to the region in 2022 was canceled following Queen Elizabeth II’s death. King Charles and Queen Camilla recently visited Bengaluru, India, for a private stay at an integrative medical facility, marking their first trip to the country in over a decade.
The British Foreign Office has reportedly initiated discussions with India and other nations to finalise the itinerary. Proposals are being drafted to ensure the tour highlights political and cultural collaborations, reflecting the importance of Commonwealth partnerships in Britain’s global strategy.
King Charles, 76, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year and had taken a three-month hiatus from royal duties. However, his recent overseas engagements, including a tour of Australia and Samoa in October, have reportedly bolstered his spirits. Buckingham Palace is optimistic about the King resuming a full travel schedule next year, contingent on medical advice.
Sources close to the monarchy describe the upcoming Indian subcontinent tour as "hugely significant." A royal insider told The Mirror: "A tour of the Indian subcontinent is in the offing, which will be of immense political and cultural importance for Britain. King Charles and Queen Camilla are ideal ambassadors for this historic visit."
- With inputs from agencies
