I'M WELL ENOUGH FOR A WALKABOUT

Australia's PM reveals plan for tour by the King

- RUSSELL MYERS

Visit hailed as positive' after his cancer diagnosis

AUSTRALIA is preparing to welcome the King on a royal tour this year, in a sign that he feels confident about his recovery after his cancer diagnosis.

Sources say the visit will be in October, coinciding with a scheduled visit to New Zealand, where Charles is also sovereign, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

The King, 75, is currently undergoing weekly treatment for a "form of cancer" after being diagnosed with the disease following a hospital stay in January for an enlarged prostate.

He has been continuing to recover at the weekends at his country estates, Sandringham and Highgrove, after weekly visits to a Lo Hon hospital.

A source said: "The Australian government, along with Buckingham Palace, pressing ahead with the plans for later this year is a huge positive step.

"The King is keen to return to his duties as soon as possible but he is rightfully focusing on his recovery and rest as he undergoes treatment for cancer.