Australian royal tour 'promising to be a highlight' of government anniversary celebrations, NSW Parliament claims

Members of the British royal family are set to visit Australia in October 2024.

After months of speculation, there's been an apparent confirmation of an upcoming royal tour to coincide with the Bicentenary of NSW's Legislative Council – the nation's first parliament.

In an announcement on Tuesday night detailing the program of events for the anniversary, NSW Parliament said there'd be "a much-anticipated royal visit in 2024 promising to be a highlight" of celebrations.

READ MORE: King Charles and Camilla could soon visit Australia with Prince William and Kate

However, in the schedule of events, it refers only to an "anticipated royal tour", which is listed for October 2024.

Buckingham Palace is not commenting on the announcement. NSW Parliament has also been contacted for comment.

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While there's been no word yet on who might be coming, sources tell 9News that it's likely to be King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort.

However, they note there is a chance it could be Prince William and Kate instead.

Indeed, the Prince and Princess of Wales are overdue a visit to Australia after a planned 2020 visit was cancelled due to the pandemic.

While there has previously been speculation William, Kate and their kids could visit as a family next year, there is a chance they could delay the trip to the following year for this event - especially if it corresponds with October school holiday dates in the UK.

Or, they may have to step up if the dates of the proposed visit Down Under clash with King Charles' duties.

If King Charles and Queen Camilla visit post-Coronation it will be a case of history repeating itself exactly 70 years later.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Australia in 1954, the year after Her Majesty's coronation, with the couple embarking on a royal tour of Commonwealth countries.

It was the first time a reigning monarch visited the country and was the first of 16 visits the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh made over their lifetimes.

Similarly, should King Charles make the journey, it would mark the first time a King has visited Australia.