King’s diplomatic speech to French Senate receives standing ovation

BBC News:

King Charles received a standing ovation for his speech to the French Senate, where he delivered a strongly-worded call for a victory for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s “horrifying” invasion.

The speech, delivered with sections in French and English, also highlighted the “existential challenge” of climate change.

There had been attention to see if there would be any response from the King to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s change over net zero.

But a diplomatically worded speech seemed to avoid any coded criticism.

“Although the challenge facing our planet is both great and grave, it has been increasingly heartening to see action that is being taken by our governments, our people and more and more by the private sector,” the King told the Senate.

Monarchs speak on the advice of ministers so such an official speech would be expected to maintain political neutrality.

But it was certainly awkward timing to have the prime minister’s change of direction on net zero coming alongside a state visit with a focus on protecting the environment.

So there is still likely to be scrutiny for signs of any rift on climate change between Downing Street and Buckingham Palace.