A new photo of the monarch with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu offers reassurance about his condition and highlights his commitment to royal duties.
King Charles III appeared upbeat and engaged as he welcomed the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, to Buckingham Palace this week, despite continued concerns about his health.
On Tuesday, October 15, Buckingham Palace released a warm photograph showing the 76-year-old monarch shaking hands with the visiting leader. The image, accompanied by a brief Palace statement—“The President of the Republic of Fiji visited The King today at Buckingham Palace”—helped put to rest growing rumours about the King’s well-being.
The meeting came just days after Charles sent a heartfelt message to mark Fiji’s Independence Day, congratulating the President and people of Fiji while expressing a wish to visit the nation again.
“My wife and I have great pleasure in sending you and the people of the Republic of Fiji our heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your Independence Day,” the King wrote. “My hope remains that I will be able to return to Fiji at some point in the future.”
He went on to praise the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Fiji, calling it “an enduring gift which we must continue to invest in and cherish.”
Reflecting on the strength of the Commonwealth, the King added that he remained proud of its “remarkable diversity and inspirational young people” and confident in its ability to meet global challenges.
King Charles also commended Fiji’s leadership in confronting climate change, calling the nation “a trusted advocate and respected global voice among island states.”
Diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year, the King’s steady return to public duties has been seen as a sign of resilience and dedication to his role. The Palace’s latest photo underscores that spirit—showing a monarch still very much at work and focused on the future.
