King Charles reportedly left Queen Camilla in tears with a chilling nine-word statement during their trip to Australia, leaving his wife now "terrified" for his health.
The Royal couple toured the country and also visited Samoa for a meeting with Commonwealth leaders.
The journey has been praised as a massive success and a PR win for the monarchy. Charles, who will be 76 next month, is reportedly planning a full return to international duties next year despite still undergoing cancer treatment.
However, friends of the Queen, aged 77, have expressed worries about the toll this is taking on her. According to the Daily Beast, Charles' comment at the end of the Samoa summit, where he said he "hope(s) that I survive long enough to come back", is believed to have had a significant impact.
Sources claim Camilla had an "emotional reaction", alternating between laughter and tears. She is reportedly worried that her husband is rushing back to a regular work schedule before completing his cancer treatment.
Although the seemingly casual remark raised eyebrows, Palace aides have denied that Charles was saying a 'final farewell'. He told the meeting: "I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you."
A friend of Camilla commented: "It was a strange thing to say, and I think Camilla had an emotional reaction. Of course it would. She is terrified."
Sources close to the family have said: "They have had a horrendous year. Now with this return to work, she is understandably fearful her husband is rushing it. She just wants him to slow down and prioritise his health."
Camilla took a solitary week at a private Indian retreat before their trip down under, yet insiders claim she appeared "unsettled" throughout the visit to Australia and Samoa. It was previously reported that Charles's medical team was taken aback by briefings suggesting 2025 would see the King engage in 'normal' duties once more, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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In a show of determination, Charles stopped his cancer treatment for the 11-day Royal tour, going against his doctor's advice, and has now decided not to attend the upcoming Cop29 event in Baku. Although any further engagements will rely on medical guidance, a source informed the Sunday Times, "We're now working on a pretty normal-looking, full overseas tour program for next year."
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