Australian politicians snub King

SENIOR politicians in Australia have declined a chance to meet the King during his tour after claiming they are too busy.

- Russell Myers

Charles and Camilla kick off their nineday visit on Friday but the royals will not be greeted by one of the six state premiers at a reception in Canberra next Monday.

The King is due to address political and community leaders, as well as prominent Australians with outstanding achievement in health, the arts, culture and sport.

Sources say the monarch had worked incredibly hard on his cancer treatment to get ready for the trip. Charles, 75, was diagnosed with the disease in February and has been having weekly treatment.

Bev McArthur, of the pro-royal Australian Monarchist League, called the rejections a "slap in the face" for the Royal Family.