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Ruth Langsford was reminded of her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes’ romantic trip with new girlfriend Katie Alexander thanks to Shayne Ward’s appearance on Loose Women on Monday

Ruth Langsford received an awkward reminder of Eamonn Holmes’ holiday on Loose Women thanks to guest Shayne Ward.

The Strictly Come Dancing star joined the ITV show on Monday with Ruth at the helm after GB News host Eamonn, 64, was spotted jetting off on a luxury cruise with new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42. The new couple made their relationship public over the weekend as they embarked a cruise at Barcelona port.

Ruth, who was married to Eamonn for 14 years before they announced their split earlier this year, returned to ITV on Monday as she hosted Loose Women with Linda Robson, Judi Love and Brenda Edwards. Shayne Ward joined the studio to talk about his new Strictly role, but it wasn’t long before he suffered a huge blunder when talking about his upcoming TV projects.

Shayne stars in Channel 5 show The Good Ship Murder – which is set on a cruise ship – and revealed the series has been renewed for two further series and a Christmas special. The former Coronation Street star excitingly asked the studio audience: “Who loves being on a cruise?” As Ruth looked on before wrapping up the interview.

 

Coleen Nolan on being organised for Christmas

Shayne spoke about his TV show set on a cruise trip with Ruth and Linda ( 
Image:
ITV)

Despite Eamonn’s romantic trip away with his new girlfriend, Ruth has continued to wear her wedding ring in a shocking show of support to her ex-husband. Ruth took to Instagram on Monday to reveal that she was back on ITV presenting Loose Women and the mum-of-one was seen wearing her wedding ring as she videoed herself before going into a meeting.

ITV viewers were concerned to see Ruth back on Loose Women and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their support. One tweeted: “Cannot be easy for Ruth when Eamonn features in most newspapers.”

Another said: “You can tell that Ruth has been hurting from the pictures of Eamonn with her younger blondie, Ruth looks like she has been crying as her eyes looks puffed up,” before adding: “I can’t wait to see Ruth’s new boyfriend #loosewomen.”

Eamonn pictured at Barcelona port with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander ( 
Image:
Splash News/Mega)
“How Gorgeous did @RuthieeL look on the trailer on this morning. Adorable,” someone else shared while a fourth asked: “#Loosewomen How are you doing today Ruth,” alongside a blowing kiss gif.

Meanwhile, Eamonn and his new girlfriend Katie are said to be hoping to “prove a point” with their relationship as they confirmed their romance by going away together.

A source said: “Katie is very excited about the prospect of a trip away with Eamonn. He works hard at GB News and with his rehab so she is looking forward to them having some time on their own relaxing away from everything. But it was also be a clear sign to everyone that they are serious about their growing relationship.” The Mirror revealed in January that Katie had told friends she was in for “the long haul”.

Ruth Langsford hosted Loose Women for the first time since pictures emerged of her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes jetting off on holiday with new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Fans feared it looked like the ITV star had been crying as she returned to her TV duties after the bombshell

Ruth Langsford’s appearance on Loose Women concerned viewers as she returned to ITV for the first time since Eamonn Holmes was spotted on holiday with his new lover.

GB News host Eamonn, 64, and new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, have been pictured heading on a luxury cruise together over the weekend. The new couple were seen at Barcelona port getting ready to embark on a trip together.

Ruth took to Instagram on Monday to reveal that she was back on ITV presenting Loose Women and issued a heartbreaking show of support to her ex-husband. The mum-of-one was seen wearing her wedding ring as she videoed herself before going into a meeting for Loose Women.

Ruth Langsford hosted Loose Women for the first time since pictures emerged of her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes jetting off on holiday with new girlfriend
ITV viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their support to Ruth with some fans concerned over the presenter’s appearance on the show. One tweeted: “Cannot be easy for Ruth when Eamonn features in most newspapers.”

Another said: “You can tell that Ruth has been hurting from the pictures of Eamonn with her younger blondie, Ruth looks like she has been crying as her eyes looks puffed up,” before adding: “I can’t wait to see Ruth’s new boyfriend #loosewomen.”

“How Gorgeous did @RuthieeL look on the trailer on this morning. Adorable,” someone else shared while a fourth asked: “#Loosewomen How are you doing today Ruth,” alongside a blowing kiss gif.

In pictures from the weekend, Eamonn was seen on a mobility scooter while his new girlfriend Katie walked beside him as they embarked on a cruise. On Monday’s Loose Women guest Shayne Ward risked an awkward moment during a chat about his Channel 5 show The Good Ship Murder – which is set on a cruise ship.

Ruth is still wearing her wedding ring ( 
Image:
ruthlangsford/Instagram)

Eamonn pictured at Barcelona port with his new girlfriend Katie ahead of their Mediterranean cruise ( 
Image:
Splash News/Mega)
Shayne asked the studio audience: “Who loves being on a cruise?” As Ruth looked on before wrapping up the interview. Despite Eamonn’s romantic trip away with his new girlfriend, Ruth has continued to wear the her wedding ring in a shocking show of support to her ex-husband.

Loose Women host Ruth, who split from Eamonn earlier this year, has been spotted wearing her wedding ring on several occasions since they announced their divorce – and was still wearing it on Monday. The former couple met in 1997 when they were introduced by a mutual friend two years after he split from his wife Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.

Eamonn and Ruth welcomed their son Jack in 2002 and dated for over a decade before they tied the knot in 2010. The TV couple are due to begin divorce proceedings later this year after being married for 14 years. Eamonn and his new girlfriend Katie are said to be hoping to “prove a point” with their relationship as they confirmed their romance by going away together.

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A source said: “Katie is very excited about the prospect of a trip away with Eamonn. He works hard at GB News and with his rehab so she is looking forward to them having some time on their own relaxing away from everything. But it was also be a clear sign to everyone that they are serious about their growing relationship.” The Mirror revealed in January that Katie had told friends she was in for “the long haul”.

Ruth was said to be ‘gobsmacked’ by the new photos of Eamonn and Katie ( 
Image:
ITV1)After photos of Eamonn and Katie were released, Ruth took to Instagram with a defiant four-word message. Sharing a snap of herself, sporting clothes from her QVC range, she added the tag: “All my own work”. Holding her phone for the glamorous selfie, Ruth looks gorgeous, sporting cropped navy utility trousers, white trainers and a bright green jacket with her highlighted hair coiffed to perfection.

There’s no suggestion of any overlap between Eamonn’s relationships with Ruth and Katie although it has been reported the former This Morning stars’ marriage came to an end after Ruth was “devastated” to find messages from another woman on Eamonn’s laptop.

In a recent Instagram post, the Loose Women star showed she was still keeping tabs on her ex as she uploaded a photo of her brunch, alongside a stack of newspapers. One of the front pages featured a story about Eamonn and his new romance on the cover, with the headline reading: “I feel for TV Ruth.”

Eamonn Holmes recently went public with his new relationship with Katie Alexander after being spotted jetting off on a cruise following the breakdown of his marriage to Ruth Langsford

Eamonn Holmes’ first row with Katie Alexander has been reportedly revealed – and it’s linked to Ruth Langsford.

The GB News presenter, 64, jetted off on a luxury cruise with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, over the weekend while Ruth, also 64, returned to ITV on Monday to host Loose Women. As the new couple enjoy their first trip abroad, it’s been reported that they’ve already had their first row despite only dating for a few months.

Eamonn, who announced his separation from his wife of 14 years in May, has reportedly been trying to limit his dates with Katie prior to their romantic getaway. “Katie wants the world to see they’re a couple but Eamonn is keeping things low-key at the moment,” a source told Women’s Own.

“Eamonn is excited about their relationship but he wants to remain respectful by not going public yet.” Another source echoed: “Katie just wants to get it over and done with but Eamonn is less keen because he doesn’t want to hurt Ruth’s feelings.”

Eamonn pictured at Barcelona port with his new girlfriend Katie ahead of their Mediterranean cruise ( 
Image:
Splash News/Mega)

The GB News and former This Morning presenter was spotted at Barcelona port with new girlfriend Katie over the weekend getting ready to embark on a trip together. Eamonn was seen on a mobility scooter while his new girlfriend Katie walked beside him.

Meanwhile, Loose Women host Ruth, who split from Eamonn earlier this year, has been spotted wearing her wedding ring on several occasions since they announced their divorce – and was still wearing it on Monday. Ruth took to Instagram to reveal that she was back presenting the ITV show and issued a heartbreaking show of support to her ex-husband – the mum-of-one was seen wearing her wedding ring as she videoed herself before going into a meeting.

Eamonn and Ruth split after 14 years of marriage ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Eamonn reportedly wanted to keep his new romance low-key ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)
During Monday’s show, ITV viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their support to Ruth with some fans concerned over the presenter’s appearance on the show. One tweeted: “Cannot be easy for Ruth when Eamonn features in most newspapers.”

Another said: “You can tell that Ruth has been hurting from the pictures of Eamonn with her younger blondie, Ruth looks like she has been crying as her eyes looks puffed up,” before adding: “I can’t wait to see Ruth’s new boyfriend #loosewomen.”

Elsewhere during the show, Ruth suffered an awkward moment when guest Shayne Ward discussed his Channel 5 show The Good Ship Murder – which is set on a cruise ship. As Shayne revealed the series has been renewed for two further series and a Christmas special, the former Coronation Street star excitingly asked the studio audience: “Who loves being on a cruise?” While Ruth looked on before wrapping up the interview.

Coleen Rooney is expected to fly out to Australia next month ahead of her appearance on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

The 38 year old mum of four, who is married to legendary footballer Wayne Rooney, is hot property at the moment after winning both court battles against Rebekah Vardy. The wife of Leicester City footballer Jamie, took Coleen to court for libel, after Coleen named her as the person who had been leaking stories to the press from her private social media account.

But in 2022, Rebekah lost the court case as the judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to prove Coleen’s allegations. And most recently, Rebekah accused the WAG of misleading her legal team over court costs, but again, Rebekah lost that court battle too.

It has been reported that Coleen is expected to earn more than Nigel Farage’s fee of £1.5million, as ITV bosses hope she spills the beans of the court case, dubbed Wagatha Christie. Despite there being a documentary on the legal battle between the two leading WAGs, it’s hoped that she will dish behind the scenes dirt. Rebekah has also appeared on the ITV show back in 2017 but was booted out fairly early into the series.

Coleen Rooney pictured with husband Wayne leaving court over libel case with Rebekah Vardy ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “I’m A Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup ­getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board. She’s always been a massive fan of the show and loves watching it with her boys. ITV are over the moon that the stars have aligned this year and she can fit it in. The series is set to be one of the best yet.”

They added: “Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case.” The infamous court case stemmed back to 2019 when Coleen first accused Rebekah of betraying her trust by selling stories on her. But in 2022, a judge ruled that Coleen’s claim was “substantially true.”

And after Rebekah challenged Coleen’s £1.8million legal costs, another judge ruled earlier this week that Rebekah has to pay a further £100,000 within 21 days. Senior costs judge Andrew Gordon-Saker said: “I think there is some scope for a further payment on account so the defendant (Mrs Rooney) is not kept out of her costs, and I think that should be no more than £100,000.”

The hearing was not attended by either Rebekah or Coleen. It dealt with a number of preliminary issues before a full “line by line” assessment of costs takes place at a later date. And this will decide the entire amount to be paid. Judge Saker said this could take place early next year but said: “The parties need to get on with this and put it behind them. Realistically, it (the line-by-line assessment) is probably going to be next year, hopefully early next year.”

The stories that Coleen purposefully posted on her private Instagram account. Coleen accused Rebekah of selling a story to The Sun about her travelling to Mexico for “gender selection”. Another story that Coleen used to weed out the leak, was on her planning a return to TV and the other was the basement flooding at her home. The judge at the time said it was “likely” Rebekah’s agent Caroline Watt had passed on information to the publication and she “knew of and condoned this behaviour.”

TV’s favourite farming ex-couple, Amanda Owen and her estranged husband Clive, are coming back together for a new television series that will explore their fresh working dynamic following their much-publicised split.

Fans of ‘Our Yorkshire Farm’ will be able to catch a glimpse of the pair in action again, but they shouldn’t expect any sparks to fly romantically.

Amanda couldn’t help but chuckle as she described the new reality with Clive after their break up. “I do his head in and he does my head in,” she shared with humour. “But we are basically on the same side,” she added.

The charmingly dubbed ‘house’ gained its pet name thanks to the 19th-century mapmaker and diarist, Anthony John Clarkson, whose descriptive entries have not only fascinated but enlightened.

Amanda and Clive announced their split in June 2022 ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

Amanda didn’t hold back when opening up about her reunion with Clive

Describing the insights gleaned from Clarkson’s vivid accounts, Amanda enthused about the juicy details. “It’s the description of the parties, who was philandering, the arguments and gossip, reading about the fairs he visited and children being naughty,” she explained. “The core message I suppose is that, socially, not much has changed.”

Viewers can anticipate five episodes that take the Owens family through an entire year of this enthralling new venture, bringing all the family members into play as far as they’re willing to go. Speaking candidly, Amanda recalled past indiscretions: “We both saw other people. I knew about Clive’s girlfriend and we would tease each other.”

Always valuing transparency, she added: “There were never any secrets. We’ve been open and honest with the children too.” Post-split, Amanda found companionship with Robert Davies, paving yet another personal narrative.

Amanda and Clive’s relationship broke down partly due to the pressures of tending to their Yorkshire farm. When announcing their split in June 2022, she said in a statement: “Clive and I have are sad to confirm that we have made the difficult decision to separate. This hasn’t been easy, but we both believe it’s the right choice for the future of our family.

Amanda and husband Clive, who share nine children, split in 2022 after 21 years of marriage ( 
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“Although we are no longer a couple, we continue to work on the farm and co-parent together with our number one priority the happiness and well-being of our children,” she added at the time. One of the reasons they agreed to the series is to build a legacy for their nine children Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine and Nancy. .

Their son Reuben landed his own spin off series Life in the Dales, with Channel 5. Determined to secure a future for their large brood nine kids, Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine, and Nancy the couple consented to the docuseries. Topping off the family’s TV conquests, their son Reuben has scored his very own spin-off show called ‘Life in the Dales’, which will air on Channel 5.

 

In a deeply emotional revelation, Prince Harry has disclosed the results of a DNA test that confirms he is not the biological son of King Charles. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the royal family and the public, marking one of the most sensational and distressing moments in recent royal history.

 

 

The news, which has been met with a mixture of disbelief and sorrow, underscores the personal turmoil that Prince Harry has endured in recent years. The DNA test results, which were made public after an extensive and highly anticipated investigation, reveal a startling truth about the Duke of Sussex’s lineage. This revelation has profound implications not only for Prince Harry but also for the royal family as a whole.

Prince Harry, known for his candidness and willingness to address personal challenges openly, chose to share this information with the public in a bid for transparency and truth. The Duke’s announcement came amidst a backdrop of ongoing discussions and controversies regarding his place within the royal family and his relationship with King Charles. The results of the DNA test have added a new layer of complexity to these issues, prompting intense media scrutiny and public interest.

In his statement, Prince Harry expressed his deep emotional pain and confusion over the results. He spoke of the impact this revelation has had on his sense of identity and his relationship with his family. The Duke’s openness about his feelings reflects his ongoing struggle to reconcile his personal experiences with his public role.

The implications of this revelation extend beyond the immediate family. For many, it challenges long-held perceptions of royal lineage and family dynamics. It also raises questions about how this new information will affect the royal succession and the broader narrative of the British monarchy.

As the world reacts to this surprising and sorrowful news, Prince Harry and the royal family are likely to face a period of intense scrutiny and emotional adjustment. The Duke’s disclosure marks a significant and painful chapter in his life and in the history of the British monarchy, highlighting the complex and often tumultuous nature of royal life.

Meghan Markle was warned that her attacks against the Royal Family will likely “never be forgiven” according to a royal commentator who claimed the same won’t apply to Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle has been issued a dire warning by one royal expert who claimed the public will “never forgive” her for making claims against the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Sussex has seen her popularity in the UK and in the US plummet ever since her sensational exit from the Firm and move to the US back in 2020.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a series of bombshell accusations against the royals over the years and their approach seemed to not have resonated well with the public, who have steadily distanced their support from them.

According to the latest ranking by YouGov, the Sussexes still remain among the least popular royals in the third quarter of 2024.

Now royal author Ingrid Seward claimed that Meghan will likely never be forgiven for her attitude towards the royals and that her husband should try going solo if he wants to salvage his reputation

Meghan Markle’s attacks against the royals won’t be forgiven by the public, says expert (Image: Getty)

The Sussexes have been making solo appearances recently for causes that are close to her heart, with Meghan attending a children’s hospital gala and visiting a youth organisation for teenage girls, while Harry has been touring New York, London and Southern Africa to promote his charity work.

Ms Seward claimed that the duke could still “very much be forgiven” by the British public.

However, she told the Sun: “But I don’t see the same thing for Meghan.

“Deep down people still love Prince Harry, and they want to love him, I think they’re just very, very disappointed in him.”

She added: “He made millions out of it [his memoir Spare], but he seriously has paid for it, because it’s done his reputation an immeasurable amount of harm, especially with his family, but the way that people view him.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the Royal Family in 2020 (Image: Getty)

The expert also connected on the couple parting ways professionally.

She said: “I feel that they’re both going slightly different ways to see if it works. They’ve tried it together, and it didn’t work so well.

“So, they’re doing it separately to see how well it works. And then Harry puts a little tomfoolery into it as well by going into this house of horror.”

“It’s really good to see a glimpse of the old Harry… and, hopefully, it will resonate with him too.”

It comes as the duchess was defended by a broadcaster over being “forced out” of the UK by the royals.

Meghan Markle sent a message to the royal family when she sat down for an interview with The Cut, according to one royal expert, who said the Duchess included a ‘thinly-veiled threat’

Meghan Markle raised eyebrows with comments she made to The Cut – with some critics suggesting she included a number of ‘thinly-veiled threats’ directed towards the royal family.

The interview was released at the end of August 2022 – just a few days before the death of Her Majesty the Queen. In it, Meghan spoke about her life in California after quitting the royal family and revealed that she hadn’t signed an NDA that might prevent her from speaking out. She also said she found a diary that she had kept during her time as a royal at Frogmore Cottage when she returned for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah dissected Meghan’s “telling” comments. Roya said: “The thinly veiled threats that came in [Meghan’s interview with The Cut] …I think [she] probably hopes it does [feel threatening] to the Royal Family… [But] I think there’s a lot of eye-rolling, going, ‘We’re used to this by now’… [But] that phrase, ‘I have a lot to say until I don’t’ and, ‘I’ve never signed anything that restricts me from talking’… there was a very strong inference there.

“And, of course, the reminder that she keeps a journal, and [her] revelation that, ‘When we came back to Windsor, to Frogmore Cottage for the Jubilee, I rediscovered my journal that I’d left there’ – I was astonished to discover that she had left a highly private diary behind in Windsor, rather than taking it back. She’s mentioned a couple of times in the last year or two that she kept a journal, and I think there is a very strong inference that Meghan could write her own memoir.”

Roya further added that she believed Meghan’s story about returning to Frogmore Cottage was an excuse to talk about the journal. Most of their belongings were packed up a long time before they even left for Canada and America, so packing up was done,” she said. “Certainly when Eugenie lived there for a while with her husband and child, they had the run of the house.

“I think that most of Harry and Meghan’s belongings that remained, which weren’t many, were stored away. So I don’t think she came back and packed up the whole house… I read it as an opportunity for her to mention the journal.” Ever since Prince Harry released his bombshell memoir Spare, there’s been speculation that Meghan would follow suit and write her own tell-all book.

In Spare, Harry railed against his royal relatives, especially his father King Charles and brother Prince William . And it seems it was the final straw for the royals. According to reports, Harry’s calls and letters to his father now go unanswered . And his attempts to connect with his brother, William — through texts, calls, and messages — are similarly ignored. The family rift, which first became public in 2020 when Prince Harry and his wife stepped back from their royal duties, has been marked by blistering attacks from the couple – in their interview with Oprah , their Netflix series, and, of course, Harry’s memoir .

The Duke did not see Charles or William during his visit to London for the WellChild awards at the end of September. And they also didn’t see one another during Prince Harry’s visit to the UK in May for an anniversary service commemorating 10 years of the Invictus Games. The Sussexes’ continual bombshells have led to a huge rift between William and Harry – and according to one royal expert, it’s prompted future king William to completely ‘cut ties’ with his younger brother.

Ingrid Seward touched up the importance of stability in William’s life, telling the Mirror : “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.”

Next week, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel to Australia and Samoa as part of an Autumn tour – but it seems one word closely associated with royal visits has been banned for the upcoming trip

In just a matter of days, King Charles will be starting the long journey Down Under for his eagerly-awaited trip to Australia.

Both the King and Queen Camilla are set to visit both Sydney and Canberra starting next week, as well as pay a visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm). It is Charles’ first trip to Australia, where he is head of state, since becoming monarch and his first major overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Palace aides have confirmed that the utmost care has been taken when putting together the King and Queen’s itinerary for the trip, which includes many of the hallmarks of a traditional royal tour, including meeting officials, laying wreaths and when in Sydney, visiting the famous Opera House.

But when it comes to their schedule, it appears that one word nearly always used when it comes to the royals has been banned from being used on the tour – and it’s all down to the destination.

Like in many places they visit, in Australia, the King and Queen will be able to greet wellwishers who turn out to see them. These are usually referred to as a walkabout – with the term first being used to describe the meet and greet under the late Queen Elizabeth II.

However, out of respect for Australia’s Aboriginal communities, it appears that the term ‘walkabout’ will not be used in this context on the tour. In Aboriginal culture the term refers to a person travelling around the Australian bush at a time of ritual, grief or when they are coming of age. With this in mind, the term has been dropped in favour of them being referred to as an “opportunity to meet the public”.

Charles meets wellwishers near Buckingham Palace before his Coronation last year ( 
Image:
PA)
Last week it emerged that during the trip, Charles will pause his cancer treatment after getting the go-ahead from doctors. Since Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer in February, he has been having weekly treatment. However, it is understood that while this will continue until he is due to travel, the treatment will stop briefly for 11 days while he is out of the country but will then resume when he returns.

It is said that ‘workaholic’ Charles has had to be “persuaded to be mindful of pacing his diary”, but he has since found great solace in focusing on his recovery to get back to his best. A source said: “The King, by his very nature, is a workaholic. If he’s not on public engagements, he is working on the next set while staying across his government papers or responding to correspondence.

“He hasn’t really slowed down despite the protests from those around him, but it has been important to him to remain to be seen. Even during his treatment, he was keen to make sure things were in place for him to make a full-time return. Now things are moving in a very positive direction which has enabled him to make long-term plans.”

Reports the King could press ahead with 12 engagements a day while in Australia and Samoa were dismissed by aides, who confirmed the utmost care had been taken to tailor specifics in line with palace doctors who are confident Charles will be able to miss out on his scheduled cancer treatment for the period he is away. As part of the visit, Charles and Camilla will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, and visit the “For our Country” memorial, dedicated to the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

In the capital Canberra, they will be welcomed to the Australian parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The royal couple will attend a barbeque in Sydney and visit the iconic opera house perched on the harbour. Perhaps most poignantly the King will meet two cancer doctors, both Australians of the Year who were recognised for their work on skin cancer.

Despite the local anti-monarchy lobby suggesting 40% of Aussies don’t realise he is their head of state, one weekend poll found the King’s popularity is soaring, says the Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers

If you ever want to find a clearer and more blatant example of political point scoring, then look no further.

We all hope, mainly in vain, for our politicians to be principled and accountable. But this collection of sorry excuses for last minute no shows is rather pathetic.

The King and Queen’s tour of Australia has been long in the planning, their visit to the capital Canberra in the diary for months.

It certainly hasn’t been sprung on unsuspecting hosts at the eleventh hour.

Yet those on display here opted for a weasel way of snubbing the royals rather than present valid and principled arguments as to why they can not welcome Charles and Camilla Down Under.

Many Aussies I have spoken to since arriving here in preparation for the royal tour have labelled this collective as “rude”, “arrogant” and “disrespectful”.

Others, even in agreement with their point of view, suggest their actions as displaying “bad manners”.

According to one major poll issued at the weekend, the King’s popularity is soaring in ,

Despite the local anti-monarchy lobby suggesting 40 per cent of Australians don’t realise that King Charles III is their Head of State, he seems to be enjoying record approval ratings.

An impressive 45 percent of Aussies say they want to keep the monarchy, while 22 per cent remain undecided.

Just one in three (33 percent) said Australia should become a republic, suggesting that support for the movement has significantly reduced from the 39.4 percent who voted that way in the 1999 referendum.

Pretty impressive stats for a monarch who the naysayers claimed would be toast after the passing of the much revered late Queen Elizabeth.

The people would have more respect for their politicians if they stood by their principles, rather than using lame excuses not befitting their office.