King Charles handed ‘slap in the face’ from Australian politicians ahead of royal tour

The King has been handed a “slap in the face” after a host of senior politicians in Australia have refused to meet him in the nation’s capital next week.

The King and Queen kick off their nine day tour of Australia on Friday, attending a range of events aimed at fostering relations between communities, alongside highlighting their passion projects including the environment and helping domestic violence charities.

But not one State Premier will greet Charles and Camilla at a reception in Canberra on Ocotber 21, despite all being invited. The King is due to address the event attended by political and community leaders, as well as prominent Australians who have demonstrated outstanding achieve­ment in fields including the arts, culture, sport and health.

But Victoria state Premier Jacinta Allan today added her name today to those that have also turned down an opportunity to welcome the royal couple Down Under.

Spokesperson for the pro royal Australian Monarchists League, Bev McArthur, called the development “slap in the face” for the royal family.

“All premiers and ministers have sworn allegiance to our monarch, Charles III, and it is a monumental insult that they now spit in his hand extended in friendship,” she told the Herald Sun.

“This is a historic opportunity to unite Australia, to focus on charitable work and to give back to communities. Yet our immature politicians are clearly choosing to play politics.”

As the list of suspect excuses piled in, Queensland premier Steven Miles said he is working on his election campaign while a spokesman for Western Australia’s Premier, Roger Cook, reportedly said he had “other commitments”.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has also excused himself from the event due to a regional cabinet meeting, as did New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, although he will reportedly attend several events with the King during his visit.