Prince Charles is expected to raise the issue of climate change during Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, according to royal sources. The prince, a long-time environmental advocate, may address the stark differences between his views and the US president's stance on global warming, though he will avoid lecturing Trump.
The visit, already generating controversy over Trump's rumoured wish to play golf at Balmoral and his past tweet about the Duchess of Cambridge, now faces further tension. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and has called climate change a Chinese hoax. Some Whitehall officials are urging Charles to challenge this position as part of coordinated UK efforts to uphold the treaty.
However, other officials view the potential meeting as a risk. An anonymous source close to Trump warned that the president would not tolerate being lectured by the prince, suggesting the two should not meet. Despite this, Charles is likely to have several opportunities to interact with Trump during the visit, including a welcome, a procession, lunch, and possibly afternoon tea at Clarence House.
Charles is seen as an asset by some in government for maintaining the integrity of the UN climate treaty. A senior Whitehall source said the prince has been 'gently primed' to assist diplomatic efforts, and his views align with government policy. Last week, Charles described climate change as 'the wolf at the door' in a foreword to a Ladybird book, calling for urgent action.
A royal aide stated that Charles would find a meeting on climate change 'extremely useful' but emphasised that his approach would be non-confrontational. The prince may also raise interfaith issues, contrasting his advocacy for religious harmony with Trump's travel ban on Muslim-majority countries.
