Lady Colin Campbell has called on King Charles to “modify his language” in regards to net zero after the monarch opted to speak on the issue.
Charles remarked that global warming is “our most existential challenge” a day after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scaled back key green efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
The monarch made the remarks in a historic address during his state visit to France as he became the first British monarch to speak in the French senate chamber.
According to Lady C, Charles risked undermining the PM as often such statements are made “in collusion” with the Government.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW
She told GB News: “I gather that Sunak had been bounced into speaking sooner than he’d intended.
“Every speech done by a head of state ahead of a state speech is in collusion with the Government and the Palace, and all the contents are cleared by the Government.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
“Everything the King said was approved by the Government, it was just unfortunate timing.
“Having said that, I think the King needs to modify his language every now and then.”
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the King’s steadfast commitment to the issue.
Sunak has faced fierce criticism after weakening a host of pledges on Wednesday designed to help the UK reach net zero by 2050.
King Charles made a speech in FrenchPAHe pushed back a ban on new petrol and diesel cars by five years and watered down the plan to phase out gas boilers by 2035, but has insisted he is “absolutely not slowing down” efforts.
The monarch, as the Prince of Wales, spent decades passionately campaigning on green and environmental issues.
GB News host Dan Wootton weighed in on the discussion by saying that it felt like a “doomsday” scenario, given how the issue is likely to be a key issue in the lead up to the next election.
Royal expert Phil Dampier added: “We all know what Charles thinks about the environment.
“He’s been going on about it for years. He made a big reference to modern technology and innovation, it’s not that different to what Rishi Sunak said yesterday.
“There probably was corroboration, and I don’t think he is crossing the line. These targets Sunak has come up with are the same as they are in Europe, so they’re not particularly sticking out.”
The King, switching between French and English, pledged to do whatever he could to strengthen the “indispensable relationship” between the UK and France.
He told of the “friendship and warm familiarity” between the two countries and the UK and France’s solidarity over the war in Ukraine, but urged the countries to work together on tackling climate change.
“Just as we stand together against military aggression, so must we strive together to protect the world from our most existential challenge of all – that of global warming, climate change and the catastrophic destruction of nature,” he said.