By Whenever King Charles embarks on his many royal engagements abroad, he takes with him an unexpected item—his own personal supply of blood. This precautionary measure comes at the recommendation of his doctor, ensuring that the King is prepared for any medical emergency, no matter where in the world he may be.
Blood Packs and Royal Medical Precautions
As King, Charles often travels for official duties, sometimes to far-flung destinations. Later this month, he and Queen Camilla are scheduled to make a long trip to Australia and Samoa. And while his luggage is undoubtedly filled with essentials, one unique item stands out: a pack of blood.
This practice isn’t new for the royal family. In fact, in 2016, Gordon Rayner of The Telegraph reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II also traveled with her own supply of blood. This measure was taken in case they visited countries where the blood supply could be unreliable.
- Personal doctor on call: King Charles is never far from his medical support team. His doctor is always within arm’s reach, carrying a medical kit that includes emergency items such as a mobile defibrillator.
- Comprehensive hospital research: During royal trips, the doctor also makes it a point to research nearby hospitals to ensure proper care is available if necessary.
No Passport Needed for the Monarch
While King Charles’s travel list may seem endless, one thing he doesn’t need to worry about is packing his passport. As monarch, he doesn’t require one when traveling overseas. The reasoning is simple: British passports are issued in the name of the sovereign.
Before her passing in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II never had to carry a passport during her extensive travels, which spanned over 100 countries. In fact, her name appeared on British passports for more than 70 years. However, with the Queen’s passing, this tradition has now passed to King Charles.
A New Era of British Passports
In 2023, the first passports bearing King Charles’s name were issued. The new navy-colored passports, like those used during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, still feature the Royal Arms. However, the language has been updated. The first page now reads, “His Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance.”
Suella Braverman, the U.K. Home Secretary, spoke on the historical significance of the change, marking it as a “significant moment in U.K. history.” The update to the passports highlights the transition of leadership while maintaining a tradition that has been upheld since 1952.