King Charles III, 75, is facing a diplomatic snub from Australian political leaders ahead of his upcoming nine-day royal tour, which begins October 18, 2024. None of the state premiers are expected to attend a high-profile reception for the King and Queen Camilla in Canberra on October 21, an absence some see as a significant slight to the British monarch.
The reception, a momentous occasion marking King Charles’ first visit to Australia as monarch, is set to unite community leaders, cultural icons, and public figures who have made significant contributions to various fields. However, the absence of senior political figures, including all state premiers, who have reportedly declined invitations to the event, citing multiple scheduling conflicts, has been viewed by some as a “slap in the face” to the royal family.
The reasons for the snub vary across the political spectrum. Queensland Premier Steven Miles said he would be preoccupied with his ongoing election campaign. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, South Australia’s Peter Malinauskas, and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns all declined to attend due to cabinet commitments. Premier Jacinta Allan will send a junior representative to Victoria, but Deputy Premier Ben Carroll is also unavailable. During the King’s visit, Tasmania’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff will be on a trade mission to the United States.
The diplomatic slight coincides with broader discussions about the monarchy’s future in Australia. Polls indicate that support for an Australian republic has declined under King Charles, with only one in three Australians currently favoring a move to a republic, down from the 39.4% who voted for it during a 1999 referendum. Despite the political snub, King Charles remains focused on fostering strong ties with Australia, where he has long been a beloved figure.
The tour marks Charles’ 17th visit to Australia and his first as King following his accession to the throne in September 2022. He and Queen Camilla will engage in various public events to highlight their charitable endeavors, including environmental conservation and domestic violence prevention. The trip will also include a stop in Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
However, concerns about the King’s health have overshadowed the tour. Earlier this year, King Charles revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing regular treatment in London. To ensure his participation in the Australian tour, King Charles has paused his treatments for the trip. Some have viewed the decision to proceed with the tour as a demonstration of his determination to continue performing royal duties in spite of his health struggles.
Despite adjusting the King’s schedule to accommodate his health, the tour still presents a significant challenge. The Australian media will closely scrutinize the King’s ability to handle a demanding itinerary. The royal family knows that any misstep, such as a canceled event or a public health issue, could fuel concerns about the King’s long-term fitness for duty.
Despite these challenges, the King and Queen are enthusiastic about visiting Australia and look forward to engaging with the Australian public. However, the absence of key political leaders at one of the tour’s major events will likely add a layer of tension to the trip, which was intended to celebrate the monarchy’s relationship with one of its most essential realms.