List of official overseas trips made by Charles III facts for kids
King Charles III has been a very important ambassador for the United Kingdom for many years. First, he traveled as the Duke of Cornwall, then as the Prince of Wales, and now as King. He visits countries around the world to represent the UK and also tours the Commonwealth realms, which are countries that have the King as their head of state. Often, his wife, Queen Camilla, joins him on these trips.
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Early Travels as Duke of Cornwall
Even as a young boy, Charles began his international travels. In 1954, when he was just five years old, he sailed on the royal yacht, HMY Britannia, to Malta and Libya. These early journeys helped him get used to traveling and representing the royal family.
Journeys as Prince of Wales
For many decades, Charles traveled extensively as the Prince of Wales, visiting countless countries. His trips often focused on important events, building relationships, and supporting various causes.
Learning and Representing in the 1960s
In 1966, Prince Charles spent time studying in Australia at the Geelong Grammar School. During this period, he also visited Papua New Guinea. Later that year, he went to Jamaica with his father, Prince Philip, for the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He also represented the Queen at a memorial service in Australia.
Global Engagements in the 1970s
The 1970s were a busy time for Prince Charles.
- In 1970, he toured New Zealand and Australia with his parents and sister, Princess Anne. He also visited Japan for Expo '70 and Canada, where he joined the family for a countrywide tour.
- He made a significant trip to the United States in 1970, visiting Washington, D.C. as a guest of President Richard Nixon's family.
- Prince Charles often represented the Queen at independence celebrations, such as in Fiji (1970) and The Bahamas (1973).
- He visited India and Nepal in 1975, attending the coronation of King Birendra of Nepal.
- In 1977, he toured the United States extensively, visiting many cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. He also traveled to Brazil and Venezuela in 1978.
Building Bridges in the 1980s
The 1980s saw Prince Charles continue his diplomatic efforts, often accompanied by his first wife, Princess Diana.
- In 1980, he attended the independence celebrations for Zimbabwe and the accession ceremony of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
- A notable trip was to India in 1980, where he met Mother Teresa in Calcutta.
- In 1983, he, Princess Diana, and their young son Prince William went on their first overseas royal tour as a family to Australia and New Zealand. They visited famous places like Uluru and the Sydney Opera House.
- He visited Brunei for its independence celebrations in 1984.
- In 1985, the Prince and Princess of Wales toured Italy, and were later joined by Prince William and Prince Harry. They also made a significant visit to the United States, meeting President Ronald Reagan at the White House.
- In 1986, they visited Canada for Expo 86 and then Japan, where they met Emperor Hirohito.
- They also toured the Middle East together, visiting countries like Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia in 1986.
- In 1988, they celebrated Australia's 200th anniversary and visited Thailand.
- In 1989, they made a significant tour of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Focusing on Global Issues in the 1990s
The 1990s brought new focuses, including environmental issues and supporting British interests.
- In 1990, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Nigeria and Cameroon. They also made a historic trip to Hungary, marking the first time members of the British royal family visited a Warsaw Pact country.
- They attended the enthronement of Emperor Akihito in Japan in 1990.
- Prince Charles visited British troops during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia in 1990.
- In 1991, they toured Brazil and Czechoslovakia.
- In 1992, the Prince and Princess of Wales made a historic visit to South Korea, becoming the first British royals to tour the country. This was their last official joint visit before their separation.
- After their separation, Prince Charles continued his travels. In 1993, he visited Mexico and Jamaica.
- He visited Russia in 1994, including Saint Petersburg.
- In 1995, he visited Egypt and Morocco. He also attended the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in Israel.
- In 1997, Prince Charles represented the Queen at the Hong Kong handover ceremony, a very important historical event.
- In 1998, he visited Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. He also traveled to Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
- In 1999, he visited Argentina, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands.
New Millennium, New Challenges in the 2000s
The 2000s saw Prince Charles continue his work, often with a focus on sustainable development and cultural exchange.
- In 2000, he visited Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica.
- He visited Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia in 2001.
- In 2002, he toured Brazil and Mexico.
- A significant visit was to Iraq in 2004, where he visited British troops. He also made a historic trip to Iran, meeting the president and visiting Bam after a devastating earthquake.
- In 2005, he visited areas affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in Sri Lanka. He also toured Australia and New Zealand.
- His first joint overseas tour with the Duchess of Cornwall was to the United States in 2005, where they met President George W. Bush.
- They also visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia in 2006, and Pakistan later that year.
- In 2007, they toured Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
- In 2008, they visited Japan, Brunei, and Indonesia.
- They toured Chile, Brazil, and the Galápagos Islands in 2009, focusing on environmental issues.
Continuing Dedication in the 2010s
The 2010s saw Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall continue their busy schedule, often focusing on Commonwealth ties and global challenges.
- In 2010, they visited Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Prince Charles also visited British troops in Afghanistan.
- In 2011, they toured Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. They also visited Kuwait, Qatar, South Africa, and Tanzania.
- In 2012, they toured Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and also visited Canada to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. They continued Diamond Jubilee tours in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand.
- In 2013, they visited Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. They also attended the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander of the The Netherlands. Later that year, they visited India and Sri Lanka, where Prince Charles represented the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
- In 2014, they toured the Persian Gulf again, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. They also visited Canada, Romania, Colombia, and Mexico.
- In 2015, Prince Charles visited Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He and the Duchess also visited the United States, meeting President Barack Obama at the White House. They attended ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey. They also visited Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.
- In 2016, they toured the Balkans, visiting Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. They also visited Romania and France for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
- In 2017, they toured Romania, Italy, Vatican City, and Austria. They also visited Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and India. Prince Charles visited islands affected by hurricanes in the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Dominica.
- In 2018, they toured Australia, where Prince Charles opened the 2018 Commonwealth Games. They also visited Vanuatu, France, and Greece. Later that year, they visited Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- In 2019, they toured the Caribbean, including Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada. They made a historic visit to Cuba, the first by British royals. They also visited Germany, Ireland, Japan (for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement), India, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands.
Important Visits in the Early 2020s
- In January 2020, Prince Charles attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he met environmental activist Greta Thunberg. He also visited Israel and Palestine, attending the World Holocaust Forum and visiting Bethlehem.
- In November 2020, the Prince and Duchess visited Berlin, Germany, for a remembrance ceremony.
- In March 2021, they visited Athens, Greece, to mark the 200th anniversary of Greece's independence.
- In November 2021, they toured Jordan and Egypt, visiting historical sites like the Giza Pyramid Complex.
- In November 2021, Prince Charles attended ceremonies in Barbados as the country transitioned to a republic, acknowledging the history of slavery.
- In March 2022, the Prince and Duchess visited Ireland, meeting Ukrainian refugees.
- In May 2022, they toured Canada, focusing on reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
- In May 2022, Prince Charles visited Romania to help Ukrainian refugees.
- In June 2022, the Prince and Duchess traveled to Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where the Prince spoke about countries choosing their own head of state and expressed sorrow for the slave trade.
As King: Representing the UK
Since becoming King, Charles III has continued his important role as a global representative for the United Kingdom.
- In March 2023, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a state visit to Germany, where the King became the first British monarch to speak to the German Parliament. They focused on green energy and met Ukrainian refugees.
- In June 2023, the King visited Romania, including his private residences there.
- In September 2023, the King and Queen visited France, where the King also addressed the French Senate, a historic first for a British monarch.
- From October to November 2023, they undertook a state visit to Kenya, focusing on shared goals like tackling climate change and promoting youth opportunities.
- In November 2023, the King attended the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, showing his strong commitment to environmental issues.
See also
- List of state visits received by Charles III
- List of state visits made by Elizabeth II
- List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II
- List of official overseas trips made by William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales
- List of official overseas trips made by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex