‘There have been some preliminary discussions’: Next royals to visit Australia revealed

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has let it slip that Australia has had “preliminary discussions” about a royal visit - but it’s not from King Charles.

Prince William and Princess Catherine could visit Australia. Picture: Toby Melville / Pool / AFP

Anthony Albanese has confirmed a royal visit is on the cards for Australia in the near future, but it won’t be King Charles.

The Prime Minister, who is in transit to London to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, has been granted an audience with the King.

But discussions on when he will make his first official visit to Australia as head of state have not begun.

Despite earlier reports, there are no concrete plans for King Charles to visit Australia. Picture: Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed instead there are discussions underway for a visit from William and Kate. Picture: Sky News

Instead, Mr Albanese confirmed the freshly created Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, could be coming our way.

“There have been some preliminary discussions about the now Prince and Princess of Wales visiting Australia. And of course the royal family have always been welcome visitors here in Australia and they would be again,” Mr Albanese told UK’s ITV.

The last time Will and Kate visited Australia was in 2014, nine months after the birth of Prince George.

Prince William and Princess Catherine could make the trip Down Under sooner than expected. Picture: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images

At the time, Prince George was described by the press as a “republican slayer”.

Asked if that status made him nervous to extend the invite to the couple’s children, Mr Albanese said the young royals were more than welcome.

“I think I would hope that if they visit, they bring their children with them,’ he added.

Rumours the Prince and Princess of Wales were in talks for a 2022 royal tour Down Under surfaced after the New Zealand Prime Minister gifted William with an official jersey for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in October.

The couple had originally planned to visit Australia in the wake of the devastating January 2020 bushfires but were forced to cancel their trip due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Originally published as ‘There have been some preliminary discussions’: Next royals to visit Australia revealed