UK, London: King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on an official royal tour of India early next year, marking the king's first official visit to the country since ascending the throne, according to UK media reports. British officials view the visit as a significant diplomatic gesture, especially following King Charles' cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Sources indicate the visit will have substantial political and cultural implications, strengthening Britain's ties with India on the global stage. The royal couple's planned visit was postponed in 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

In October, King Charles and Queen Camilla privately visited a wellness retreat in Bengaluru, where they spent four days. This upcoming visit will be his first major international trip since the Commonwealth Summit held on October 25-26.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the king’s cancer diagnosis in February but announced that his medical treatment is progressing well, allowing for a comprehensive foreign tour program next year.

The last official visit by King Charles to India occurred in 2019, when he was the Prince of Wales, focusing on issues such as climate change, sustainability, and social development.