King Charles III opts out of climate summit

King Charles III arrives to thank emergency service workers for their work and support ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at the Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in London, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP/Christophe Ena/File)

King Charles III has opted not to attend next month's international climate change summit in Egypt, feeding rumors that the new monarch will have to curb his environmental activity now that he has gained the throne.

The Sunday Times said that the decision was made when Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss objected to Charles attending the COP27 conference during their meeting at Buckingham Palace last month.

However, a member of Truss' cabinet stated that the government and palace agreed with the decision.

"As far as I am aware, this decision was made amicably between the palace and the government," Simon Clarke told Times Radio. The claims that he was ordered to stay away this morning are simply not accurate.

Clarke also refuted claims that Truss did not want Prince Charles to attend the meeting because she plans to water down the United Kingdom's climate goals. He stated that the administration remains dedicated to attaining its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The norms governing the constitutional monarchy in Britain prohibit the king from intervening in politics. By convention, members of the royal family conduct all official abroad trips under government guidance.

Before becoming king on September 8 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles was expected to attend the summit in his capacity as Prince of Wales.

The previous climate summit, COP26, was held in Glasgow, Scotland, last year, but Charles' attendance at this year's conference was never confirmed. COP27 takes place at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh from November 16-18.

During his time as Prince of Wales, Charles was accused of interfering in government affairs, including improper lobbying of government ministers.

But now that he is king, Charles acknowledges that he will have less flexibility to speak out on public problems than he did as heir apparent. Simultaneously, his advisors would search for the ideal time and location for Charles' first abroad voyage as monarch.

Charles stated in a televised address following his mother's death, "My life will obviously change as I assume my new responsibilities."

"I will no longer be able to devote as much time and energy to the causes and organizations for which I care so profoundly. However, I am confident that this vital job will continue in the capable hands of others."

Publish : 2022-10-03 10:10:00

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