King Charles is bracing for a significant snub during his royal tour Down Under after it emerged that no senior Australian politicians are set to attend the monarch’s welcome event in the country.

The King will head to Australia this Friday, October 18, alongside Queen Camilla, and the royal couple are set to be welcomed in Canberra on October 21.

But no state premiers are expected to be in attendance after Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and her deputy, Ben Carroll, this weekend said they won’t be able to attend citing a cabinet meeting.

The state will be represented by parliamentary secretary Nick Staikos and state Governor Margaret Gardner.

Victoria is not the only state that is set to snub the monarch’s arrival.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles claimed he has to work on his re-election campaign, while Tasmania’s Jeremy Rockliff said he will be on a US trade mission.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also cited a cabinet meeting, as did South Australia’s Peter Malinauskas.

Western Australia’s Roger Cook simply cited “other commitments”.

The latest snub against the British Royal Family has been criticised by the pro royal Australian Monarchists League, whose spokesperson, Bev McArthur, called it a “slap in the face” for Charles.

She told the Herald Sun: “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.

“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.”

It comes as King Charles told anti-monarchists that he will not stand in the way if Australia looks to replace him as head of state.

The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) had written to Buckingham Palace to request a meeting with the King as he arrives on his landmark royal tour next week.

Buckingham Palace officials replied on the King’s behalf and wrote: “Please be assured that your views on this matter have been noted very carefully. His Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of his ministers and whether Australia becomes a republic is, therefore, a matter for the Australian public to decide.”