King Charles III brings along something rather unusual whenever he embarks on his travels— his own supply of blood. This precaution, taken on the advice of his doctor, is to factor in emergencies when the monarch visits places where healthcare is unreliable. Later this month, when King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla head to Australia and Samoa for official engagements, his personal blood supply will once again be part of his travel essentials.
The King and Queen have announced they will travel to Australia and Samoa this autumn, marking Charles’ first official overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis.
It is also the first time a reigning monarch will have travelled to Australia since 2011.@NityaGRajan reports. pic.twitter.com/MZrsBWsaLx — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 15, 2024
This may sound unusual, but it’s a long-standing royal practice. According to Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, the royal planes often carry blood products specifically matched to the royal’s blood type. Arbiter explained this measure during an episode of Hello’s A Right Royal Podcast. He stated,
King Charles Has Doctor’s Order to Carry an Unusual Item on All His Official Engagements and Tours
