Trip abroad to Down Under

Crazy Measures: King Charles Travels With Blood In His Luggage

King Charles surprises with the decision to pause his cancer treatment during his trip to Australia and Samoa. Despite medical permission, strict measures were taken to ensure his health and safety.

King Charles and Camilla travel to Australia and Samoa
Charles interrupts his cancer treatment
These precautions have been taken

King Charles (75) will be traveling with Queen Camilla (77) from October 18 to 26 to Australia and Samoa. The original plan was to also visit New Zealand, but the program was shortened on the advice of his doctors.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman explained: "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."

Strict precautions: King Charles' first big trip

Since his diagnosis, the King has made only one trip abroad, and to France for the D-Day commemorations in June. The upcoming trip to Australia, his first official trip as monarch to one of the Commonwealth countries where he is head of state, will be much more extensive.

It includes a long flight and numerous appointments in Sydney and Canberra. Strict measures were therefore taken to make the trip as pleasant and safe as possible for the King.

1. Medical precautions on board

King Charles III is always accompanied on his travels by a doctor from the Royal Navy. He has researched the nearest hospitals in advance and carries important medical equipment with him, including a mobile defibrillator. The doctor always stays close to the King so that he can react quickly in an emergency.

2. Blood supplies when traveling

In addition, the King travels with personal blood supplies to be prepared in the event of a blood transfusion. "There is no guarantee that you will receive the right blood group at your destination," explained the former press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth II, Dickie Arbiter.

3. Precautionary measures during the flight

Unrelated to his cancer treatment, King Charles has spoken in the past about swollen hands while flying. To avoid this, he must drink plenty of water during the flight, regularly hold his hands above heart level and massage the affected areas. His accompanying doctor can help with this.