King Charles received a standing ovation for a speech to the French Senate on Thursday, in which he delivered a strongly-worded call for Ukraine to triumph in its war against Russia's 'horrifying' invasion. The address, delivered in both French and English, also highlighted the 'existential challenge' of climate change.
The speech comes amid attention over whether the King would respond to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent changes to net zero policies. However, a diplomatically worded speech avoided any coded criticism, with the King noting the 'action being taken by our governments, our people and more and more by the private sector' to address environmental challenges.
Monarchs speak on the advice of ministers, so such an official speech would be expected to maintain political neutrality. Nevertheless, the timing of the prime minister's change of direction on net zero alongside a state visit focused on protecting the environment has drawn scrutiny for any signs of a rift between Downing Street and Buckingham Palace.
The King invoked the wartime unity of Britain and France as an example for modern battles, stating: 'Together we are steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph and that our cherished freedoms will prevail.' He also expressed a desire to 'nourish and cherish' the entente cordiale, and to promote sustainability through the bilateral relationship.
French language expert Malcolm Massey praised the King's pronunciation and 'relatively good accent'. The King and Queen also visited Notre Dame to see restoration progress, met sports stars including Didier Drogba, and Queen Camilla launched an Anglo-French literary prize. The final day of the trip will see them visiting environmental projects in Bordeaux.
