The King will land in Australia later this week for his first trip as head of state and his most significant overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be formally welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Monday before addressing political and community leaders at a reception.
However, it has since been revealed none of the six state premiers will be present.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen was the first to flag her absence — citing “a number of long-standing engagements, internally and external”. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll is also unable to attend.
Instead, she said her government and the Victorian community would be “very well” represented by parliamentary secretary Nick Staikos and state Governor Margaret Gardner.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had a regional cabinet meeting to attend, telling reporters: “It’s with no disrespect to his majesty”.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff will be on a US trade mission, and …