The coach dubbed "King" has been denied a royal visit after Prince William knocked back an invitation to attend North Queensland's NRL clash with Newcastle in Townsville on Saturday night.

Cowboys coach Neil "King" Henry had been hoping, along with the rest of the North Queensland staff, that Prince William could squeeze their first home game into his schedule this weekend.

Prince William will arrive in north Queensland on Saturday as part of his tour of disaster-ravaged areas of New Zealand and Australia.

He will visit areas, victims and volunteers still rebuilding following major floods and tropical Cyclone Yasi.

But a Cowboys spokesman said on Friday they had received word that Prince William would be "politely declining" the invitation the club sent earlier this week.

Cowboys chief executive Peter Jourdain said attending the game was "not possible" due to Prince William's packed schedule.

"We appreciate that they gave our invitation serious consideration and understand why he will not be able to come to Dairy Farmers Stadium," Jourdain said.

"I'm sure the people of north Queensland will get behind his visit and give him a very warm welcome to our region."

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