Royal biographer Tom Bower has criticised King Charles for making a “grave mistake” by sending a message on energy transition that was read by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband at a recent summit.
Speaking to GB News, Bower expressed surprise at the monarch’s involvement in what he described as “badly advised”.
The King’s message, read by Miliband at a summit on future energy security, emphasised the importance of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.
In his statement, King Charles noted: “As we all navigate the transition to cleaner energy for our planet and energy security for our citizens, summits such as these are of vital importance.
Tom Bower criticised King Charles for making a “grave mistake”
GB NEWS
Miliband told attendees that the summit was “something that [King Charles] was very much personally interested in”.
The monarch particularly highlighted the need for collaboration with “the global South and across the Commonwealth.”
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Speaking to GB News, Tom Bower said: “I’m very surprised. I thought he’d by now learned his lesson that he shouldn’t get involved, especially with somebody as controversial as Ed Miliband, who, according to many reasonable people, is driving this country to economic bankruptcy.
“I mean, Miliband isn’t hosting it because he wants some reasonable debate. He is a zealot who believes in one side. And I don’t believe the King is a zealot out to destroy British industry.
“If you listen to Miliband this morning on the radio circuit, he wants to destroy agriculture too, because he doesn’t want gas to be part of it.
“You need gas to make fertilizer. So, he wants farming to be destroyed as well.”
He added: “I don’t understand why he was getting involved in this. I think he was badly advised, and I think it was wrong of Miliband to read it out.
“He’s so unpopular, and being found out all the time. For the King to support him is a huge political plus.
“The late Queen would never have gone anywhere near this. She had those audiences, but the King, when he first got into the palace, said he wouldn’t get involved. Suddenly, he’s involved. He’s made a grave mistake.”
The King’s message emphasised that recent events have shown how “well-managed transitions can lead to more resilient and secure energy systems.”
The King’s message emphasized that recent events have shown how “well-managed transitions can lead to more resilient and secure energy systems.”
PA
He acknowledged that each nation would follow its own path in energy transition.
However, he stressed there are “many shared challenges and opportunities on which we can work together as partners.”
The monarch concluded his message by thanking participants and wishing them “productive discussions.”
His rare public comment on energy policy comes as these issues have become increasingly important in national discourse.
While it is rare for the monarch to comment publicly on political matters, King Charles has long been known for his interest in environmental issues.
