Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly set to visit Australia to help with its recovery efforts after the disastrous wildfire in the country recently. The royal tour is expected to raise more international aid for the survivors and volunteer firefighters.
A report indicated that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison plans to invite the future monarch in a bid to boost aid, tourism, and the morale of his citizens. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the royal couple is already in talks with Morrison to iron out their royal visit ahead of a formal invitation.
The Prime Minister is expected to issue the formal invitation for the royal couple this week. William and Kate are most likely to make stops in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
In a statement that the couple released last month, William and Kate said they are shocked and deeply saddened by the devastation in homes, livelihoods, and wildlife across Australia. At least 33 people and thousands of animals have died in what is described as the worst bushfires in the country's history.
"We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives, and the brave firefighters who continue to risk their own lives to save the lives of others," the Cambridges said.
The couple reportedly expressed interest in visiting the country while the bushfires are still ravaging across Australia. However, they decided to delay the trip so they will not divert the resources needed in a national emergency to a royal tour.
The trip will be William's fifth visit to Australia but the couple's first since their last visit in the country in 2014. It can be recalled that the second in line to the throne visited Queensland in 2011 after the peak of the flood disaster. William also made a quick trip to New Zealand last year, about six weeks after Australian Brenton Tarrant fatally shot at least 50 people in a mosque and Islamic center in Christchurch.
The recent bushfires Down Under triggered protests outside Australia House in London. Protesters made statements connecting climate change and extreme weather events across the globe.
William and Kate, along with other members of the royal family, have been vocal about their views on the effects of climate change on humanity. On New Year's Eve, the Duke of Cambridge also launched his Earthshot Prize initiative that encourages countries and the different sectors in the society to find solutions to climate change and repair the Earth.
