SA premier accused of snubbing royals

South Australia's premier has been accused of snubbing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by being on a holiday in Europe when they arrive in Adelaide.

The royal couple will visit the northern suburb of Elizabeth next Wednesday.

Premier Jay Weatherill is in Europe with his wife and two young daughters, who are on school holidays.

Deputy Premier and Attorney General John Rau is acting as premier.

Opposition leader Steven Marshall on Wednesday said Mr Weatherill's absence "amounts to a royal snub of royal proportions".

"Why would Mr Weatherill decide to holiday in Europe instead of welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Adelaide?" he said in a statement.

But a spokesman for the premier said Mr Weatherill had lobbied for the royals to visit Adelaide so they could meet South Australians, not for them to meet him.

He said it was disappointing that the opposition begrudged him a family holiday.