The state visit by the King of Saudi Arabia was marred today by the last-minute cancellation of a high-profile engagement between David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, and the Saudi Foreign Minister.

The Foreign Office announced this morning that the Foreign Secretary was calling off the meeting, which had been scheduled months in advance, citing the arrival of his newly adopted son.

Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi Foreign Minister, then also withdrew from the meeting because Mr Miliband's deputy, Kim Howells, was considered too junior to meet him according to diplomatic protocol.

The cancellation coincided with a troubled start to the major diplomatic visit to London by Mr al-Faisal and King Abdullah II. This morning, the King told the BBC that UK intelligence agencies had failed to act on information passed on by Saudi authorities that might have averted the 2005 London bombings.

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The Foreign Office denied that Mr Miliband's cancellation had anything to do with the statements by King Abdullah. It added that the Foreign Secretary had taken a leave of absence because of the adoption.

"David and Louise Miliband are pleased to announce the adoption of their second son, Jacob. They are delighted by the new arrival and Mr Miliband will now be taking a period of leave," a statement said.

"They ask the media to respect their privacy during this time."

Mr Miliband's wife, who is a violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra, has dual British and American citizenship and is thus able to take advantage of American adoption laws, which are less strict than in Britain. The couple previously adopted a son, Isaac, and were present at his birth on December 13, 2004.

Mr Miliband has refused to comment on the details of either adoption including whether there was a financial settlement. Fees can be as high as £20,000.

A spokesman declined to say when the Saudi delegation had been notified, but said that they were told before today and understood the reasons.

Richard Beeston, Diplomatic Editor of The Times, said that the cancellation would be greeted with disappointment by the Saudi delegation.

"The relationship with Miliband has not got off to a good start," he said.

Earlier today, King Abdullah told the BBC, in a rare interview, that Britain was not doing enough to combat terrorism and had been given specific warnings about the London attacks.

"We have sent information to Great Britain before the terrorist attacks in Britain but unfortunately no action was taken," he said, speaking through an interpreter. "And it may have been able to maybe avert the tragedy."

He added: "I strongly urge all countries in the world, including Great Britain, to take the matter of fighting terrorism very seriously. I believe most countries are not taking this issue too seriously including, unfortunately, Great Britain."

The King's itinerary:

Tonight: King Abdullah II arrives. Met by Prince of Wales.

Tomorrow am: King Abdullah II meets the Queen and visits Buckingham Palace.

Wednesday: Business end of the trip. Meets Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Expected to discuss arms, peace in the Middle East and cooperation in war against terror.

Thursday: Returns home.

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