King Charles III to prioritise Australia in massive world tour: report

King Charles will likely be making Australia and New Zealand some of his first stops in a huge world royal tour planned to kick off his reign.

A source told The Mirror: "The King and his family are keen to hit the ground running in these crucial first few months and years of his reign.

"He certainly wants to carry on the long-held mantra from his late mother of being seen to be believed, and is very keen to get out and meet as many people as possible."

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The palace insider said the two year long tour will be aimed at "extending a hand of friendship and support."

The monarch will be prioritising Australia and New Zealand in the tour, as well as a number of Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean, and rescheduling postponed trips to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

It is also thought Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales may be playing a "major support role" in the royal tour, perhaps even being sent to countries in the King's stead.

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In a media release issued on Tuesday night, the NSW Parliament confirmed a "much-anticipated royal tour in 2024" to celebrate the bicentenary celebrations of the NSW Legislative Council.

"Two centuries of democracy in Australia is being celebrated with a wide and exciting range of events marking the establishment of the nation's first parliament, the New South Wales Legislative Council, with a much-anticipated royal visit in 2024 promising to be a highlight," the statement said.

The last royals to visit Australia were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, shortly after their wedding.