King Charles urged to break long-standing royal 'protocol' amid cancer fight

The Royal Family leader and monarch is set to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month, where he could embrace a more relaxed dress code.

King Charles has been urged to "break royal protocol" amid his ongoing cancer fight. The Royal Family leader and monarch is set to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month, where he could embrace a more relaxed dress code.

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has urged all delegates, including the King, to forgo formal suits in favour of more comfortable attire due to the island's hot October weather. "We're not really keen for people to wear suits and be hot and uncomfortable," Ms Mataafa stated.

"Can I tell you it's warm in October, so please don't wear your suits in your packing... We look forward to welcoming you in true island style," she said. Next month, King Charles and Queen Camilla will head off on a landmark royal tour – the King’s first as monarch, in fact, to an overseas Commonwealth realm.

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The visit will take in trips to Australia and Samoa over ten days, and the couple’s engagements will, according to the Palace, ‘focus on themes designed to celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa, as well as reflecting aspects of The King and Queen’s work’.

An earlier plan to include a visit to New Zealand had to be cancelled "on doctor's advice", with "tough decisions" taken on the remainder of the programme for the trip, which will take place from 18-26 October. With the King's ongoing cancer treatment, "subtle adjustments" have been made to the busy schedule to allow time for rest.

The King and Queen's nine-day trip will take in Sydney, Canberra and Apia to "celebrate the best" of both Australia and Samoa. It will be the King's 17th official trip to Australia and his first to Samoa. Australia will also be the first Commonwealth realm he has visited as monarch.

The couple will carry out a number of engagements, many of which will reflect their personal interests.