FULL DUTIES NEXT YEAR

Two major new tours abroad and busy diary

- RUSSELL MYERS

ROYAL doctors have green-lit the King's return to a full programme of events next year, including two major overseas tours.

Charles, despite his ongoing cancer fight, is fully behind plans for high-profile tours in the spring and autumn, with Canada one possible destination.

At times, the King, 75, has looked weary during his nine-day visit to Australia and Samoa with the Queen.

It came to a close yesterday with a traditional Ava ceremony.

The heavens opened in the Samoan village of Siumu as Charles and Camilla were given pink garland necklaces and seated on beige leather thrones.

DEVOTED

Charles was honoured with the chiefly title of Toaiga-O-Tumua, as he and Camilla were presented with a special drink made from the powdered roots of the sacred Ava plant.

"May God bless this Ava," said Charles as he lifted the coconut cup and drank.

He also delivered a pointed reference to his illness, saying: "I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope I survive long enough to come back again and see you." The King has been having weekly cancer treatment since his diagnosis in February. He reduced his usual duties over the summer to rest ahead of his trip Down Under.