In a fascinating glimpse into royal life, King Charles and Queen Camilla‘s contrasting views on travel have come to light.
While they maintain a close relationship, their individual preferences seem to steer them in different directions when it comes to flying.
A recent look at the court circular revealed that the King departed London solo on October 17, with no mention of Queen Camilla alongside him, despite their joint arrival for a formal welcome just days earlier.
So, what’s behind this apparent separation in their travel plans?
It seems that personal preference plays a significant role.
Reports suggest that Queen Camilla harbors a genuine apprehension about flying.
This fear has prompted her to leave for royal engagements at the last minute, often making time for a visit to her favorite spa in between trips.
Specifically, she enjoys the Sukhya Holistic Health Centre near Bangalore, India, a wellness retreat that offers a combination of naturopathy, homeopathy, yoga, and Ayurveda aimed at rejuvenation and healing.
The Queen’s trepidation about air travel isn’t unfounded.
In October 2022, a British Airways flight carrying her collided with a bird, causing damage to the aircraft as she returned from her beloved spa.
Despite her reluctance to board a plane, her royal duties sometimes necessitate long-distance travel, such as the significant upcoming trip to Australia and Samoa.
On the flip side, King Charles is known for his relentless work ethic.
During the same week of travel, he was busy attending numerous events and meetings, which aligns with Queen Camilla’s previous characterization of him as a “complete workaholic.”
Their nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa promises to be an active one, marking a significant milestone as it represents their first official visit to these realms during his reign.
This trip holds particular importance, as it will be the King and Queen’s furthest official journey from home since the Lord’s disease determination in February.
Interestingly, while royal tours typically include a stop in New Zealand, this time around, that leg of the journey has been scrapped on medical advice.
The King’s doctors have recommended that he avoid an extended itinerary to prioritize his health and ongoing recovery.
In a statement released in July, a palace spokesperson emphasized the need to keep the trip duration shorter than usual due to the King’s health considerations.
They reiterated that all aspects of the King’s engagements would be guided by medical advice and any necessary adjustments to ensure his well-being.
September brought further clarity on the royal tour’s focus, with Buckingham Palace announcing that the itineraries would showcase the best of both Australia and Samoa.
This visit marks King Charles’s inaugural trip to Australia as monarch and his first attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa, signifying a new chapter in his reign.
As they embark on this journey, the royal couple’s engagements will center around themes that reflect their work and celebrate the rich cultures of both nations.
With the King and Queen representing the monarchy abroad, their contrasting travel styles highlight not just their personal preferences but also the broader dynamics of royal duties.