Australian premiers criticised for snubbing King Charles’ reception
Politicians face backlash for missing King Charles' Canberra reception
Australia’s state premiers face criticism for ‘playing politics’ after all six declined to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla at a reception before their nine-day tour.
The King’s 17th visit to Australia and first as monarch is marked by politicians refusing to attend the Canberra reception on October 21.
Victoria’s premier Jacinta Allan cited a cabinet meeting as her reason for declining, with deputy Ben Carroll also refusing. Nick Staikos will represent the state.
Jacinta Allan has come under fire after declining an invitation to meet King Charles in Canberra.
Royalists have taken aim at the premier, accusing her of snubbing the King. Get the latest on 7NEWS at 6pm. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @KristyMayr7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/QjSmt0E5FT
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 13, 2024
Queensland premier Steven Miles cited election campaign work. Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff mentioned a US trade mission. Both South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas and New South Wales premier Chris Minns stated they had cabinet meetings. Western Australia’s premier Roger Cook noted ‘other commitments’.
Bev McArthur of the Australian Monarchists League called the snub a ‘slap in the face’ to the royal family, highlighting that all premiers have sworn allegiance to King Charles III. McArthur criticised the politicians for choosing politics over unity and charitable work.
Opposition spokesman Brad Rowswell urged Allan not to downplay the King’s visit, emphasising leadership sometimes requires setting aside personal biases.
Royal sources described the snubs as ‘deeply unprofessional’ but stressed it would not affect the tour. The King and Queen are eager to meet many people in Australia and Samoa.
Last year, Victoria withdrew from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, leading to significant costs for hosting the event in Glasgow. Minns, despite missing the Canberra welcome due to a cabinet meeting, plans to attend other events with the King.
During their trip, the King and Queen will engage in events promoting community relationships and their passion projects, including the environment and domestic charities. King Charles will deliver a speech at the Canberra event attended by prominent Australians.
The significance of the trip is underscored by the King pausing his cancer treatment. Diagnosed in February after prostate surgery, he has been receiving weekly treatment. The King will resume treatment upon returning to the UK.
The royal couple’s 11-day trip includes attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, with about 10 engagements daily and only one rest day.
A Sydney poll found one in four respondents view King Charles more favourably now, with just 5 per cent less positive. Only one in three support Australia becoming a republic, down from 39.4 per cent in the 1999 referendum.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Herald Sun reports that Premier Jacinta Allan and other state premiers have declined invitations to meet King Charles III, sparking criticism from monarchists about their absence.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are Australian state premiers not welcoming King Charles?
All six state premiers cited prior commitments such as cabinet meetings, election campaigns, and trade missions.
What was the reaction to the premiers’ decision to skip the reception?
Critics, including Bev McArthur, called it a ‘slap in the face’ and ‘deeply unprofessional’, urging unity and setting aside biases.
Will the premiers’ absence affect King Charles and Queen Camilla’s tour?
No, royal sources stated the snubs would not affect the tour, and the King and Queen are eager to meet many people.
What significant events will the King and Queen attend during their trip?
They will engage in events promoting community relationships, the environment, and domestic charities, including a speech in Canberra.
What health issue is King Charles dealing with during the tour?
King Charles is pausing his cancer treatment, which he has been receiving weekly since his prostate surgery in February.
