Prince William can’t step in for King Charles on his Samoa tour later this year due to one key reason, a source has revealed.
The monarch is said to be determined to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa on October 21.
Despite medical advice cautioning against extensive travel during his battle with cancer, the 75-year-old is believed to be determined to make the trip.
According to sources, William will be unable to attend on his behalf due to the Princess of Wales’s own battle with cancer.
The insider told the Express: “Attending the CHOGM is not something William can take on at this time due to Kate’s health, and although Anne and other working royals are doing a great job stepping in to plug the gaps at home, they are not viewed as high level enough to represent the sovereign as leader of the Commonwealth.”
Other members of the Royal Family, such as Princess Anne and Prince Edward, will also not be allowed to attend due to their positions not being senior enough.
Just a few weeks after the King revealed his cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales revealed her own diagnosis in an emotional video.
Princess Kate, 42, shared that her diagnosis had been found during post-operative tests after undergoing planned abdominal surgery back in January.
Palace aides are yet to conduct a site visit to strategize a plan for the monarch’s planned trip, which was due to be followed by an official state visit to Australia.
Queen Camilla, 76, is set to travel alongside the monarch for the visit in October.
Discussing the tour, the source added: “King Charles’s presence at both the Commonwealth meeting and in Australia is viewed as instrumental in preserving Commonwealth unity.
“Despite medical advice recommending against travelling long distances, particularly due to the time difference which can add to exhaustion, the King remains resolute in his decision to undertake the trip.”
Prior to his diagnosis back in February, the five-day visit was confirmed for October 21-25.
Despite the King’s cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace have said that “nothing is ruled in or out” with future engagements planned “subject to doctors advice”.
The King has limited his public-facing engagements this year, since his diagnosis, and was last spotted publicly on March 31.
King Charles led other members of the Royal Family at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor.
