King Charles suffers 'slap in the face' as Australian politicians snub monarch ahead of royal tour

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and her deputy, Ben Carroll, have declined the invitation, citing a cabinet meeting.

Instead, Victoria will be represented by parliamentary secretary Nick Staikos and state Governor Margaret Gardner, a known republican.

This snub has been criticised by the Australian Monarchists League Victorian spokesman, Bev McArthur, who called it a "slap in the face" to the King.

The situation has raised concerns about the relationship between the Australian political leadership and the British monarchy, as the King prepares for his first visit to the country as monarch.

The criticism from the Australian Monarchists League was sharp. Bev McArthur stated: "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 further emphasised the missed opportunity, saying: "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."

Opposition spokesman Brad Rowswell echoed these sentiments, having previously urged Premier Allan not to downplay the King's visit.

He remarked: "Sometimes, leadership requires putting personal prejudice aside in the interests of the greater good."

The snub extends beyond Victoria, with other state premiers citing various commitments for their non-attendance.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also has a cabinet meeting but will attend other events with the King.

Queensland's Steven Miles is busy campaigning for re-election, whilst Tasmania's Jeremy Rockliff is on a US trade mission.

South Australia's Peter Malinauskas has a regional cabinet meeting, and Western Australia's Roger Cook simply cited "other commitments".

Despite the absence of state leaders, King Charles is set to make a speech at the Canberra event, which will be attended by prominent Australians from various fields including health, the arts, culture and sport.

This gathering aims to showcase the nation's diverse talents and achievements, even as political leadership remains conspicuously absent.

King Charles III's upcoming visit to Australia marks his 17th trip to the country, but his first as monarch.

The 75-year-old royal is demonstrating his commitment to the role by halting his cancer treatment to make the journey.

The 11-day tour will include a packed schedule, with the King and Queen Camilla undertaking approximately 10 engagements daily, allowing for only one rest day.

The importance of this visit is underscored by its extension to Samoa, where the King will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.