King thanks NZ women's rugby players for 'healing' hug

Britain's King Charles found himself in the middle of a scrum when he accepted a hug from a New Zealand women's rugby player during a Buckingham Palace reception.

Charles laughed as he was affectionately mobbed by the Black Ferns, in the UK to take on England's Red Roses, after he said "hug, why not".

Winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga had made the cheeky request and her teammates joined in, leaving the King giggling from the group hug.

Charles later made the squad laugh during an impromptu speech, when he said: "I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you," adding "very healing".

Details of the King's' first major tour since his cancer diagnosis were released on Tuesday, with the British royal travelling to Australia and making a state visit to Samoa for a Commonwealth leaders' summit.

But he will not travel to New Zealand and said: "I'm extremely sorry I can't come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor's orders, but I hope there'll be another excuse (to come) before not too long."

Champagne was served for Charles' guests but the sportswomen opted for fruit juice and water and the King made the players laugh when he joked about the situation.

"I'm so pleased to have this opportunity to greet you all, for a short moment - apparently not to be able to give you a drink."