Let’s break it down: Prince Charles might not be in the UK when his son's third royal baby arrives this spring. Math, science, and the royal schedule confirm that Queen Elizabeth’s eldest child will be in Australia alongside his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, for a six-day tour to celebrate the Commonwealth Games starting on April 4. Imagine missing a grandchild’s birth for work—it’s a tough pill to swallow, even for royalty.

At 69 years old, Charles and his partner, Camilla (70), will embark on this adventure Down Under in Brisbane. Now, you know Charles—always one to bring back thoughtful gifts. So, it’s safe to assume he’ll pick up some delightful souvenirs for the newest addition to the family, along with treats for his grandkids, Prince George (4) and Princess Charlotte (2). But let’s be real: no gift can replace being there for such a monumental moment in the family’s history.

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Charles has always been open about his love for being a grandfather. In a previous interview, he shared, “Becoming a grandparent is like entering a whole new chapter of life. The most rewarding part is encouraging them, showing them things that spark their interest. My grandmother did this for me, and she was truly remarkable.” He went on to emphasize the importance of building a strong bond with grandchildren from a young age. Last year, he even revealed his love for reading Harry Potter to his little ones. Can you picture Charles in his cozy armchair, reading aloud to George and Charlotte? Pure magic.

What’s Different About This Royal Baby’s Arrival?

Here’s where things get interesting: the birth of royal baby No. 3 will differ significantly from the arrivals of Prince George and Princess Charlotte. According to Life & Style, Kate Middleton has opted for a home birth this time around. A source close to the family revealed, “Kate has decided she’d like to give birth at Kensington Palace, in the comfort of her own home.” This decision makes Charles’ absence all the more bittersweet. Imagine the anticipation of waiting for that first cry—not in a hospital but in the palace’s warm, familiar surroundings.

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This story was crafted by Chloe Lal and originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.