King Charles will not attend COP27 climate conference in Egypt after joint decision with government

King Charles holds a strong passion for tackling environmental issues around the world. Credit: PA

King Charles will not attend next month’s COP27 international climate change summit in Egypt, despite his passionate commitment to environmental issues, it has emerged.

Prime Minister Liz Truss had objected to him attending the gathering, during an audience at Buckingham Palace last month, according to The Sunday Times.

Neither Downing Street nor the Palace would comment on the report which said the King had wanted to deliver a speech to delegates, at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

A No 10 source however said it was “ridiculous” to suggest that the prime minister “gives orders” to the monarch.

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Nevertheless, by convention all overseas official visits by members of the royal family are undertaken in accordance with advice from the government.

Before he ascended the throne, there had been speculation, that, as Prince of Wales, he would go to Egypt, having attended the COP26 summit in Glasgow the previous year.

It is understood however that after he sought advice from the government it was agreed that this would not be the right occasion for the King to make his first overseas visit as sovereign.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on meetings between the prime minister and the King."

King Charles delivered one of the keynote speeches at the opening ceremony for COP26 in Glasgow. Credit: PA

But a government source said the Palace and the government “considered separately and then agreed jointly” that there might be “more suitable options” for the King’s first overseas visit.

Despite not attending the event in person it is understood that the King still hopes to be able to contribute in some form to the conference.

King Charles and his elder son William, the then-Duke of Cambridge, both spoke at last year’s COP26 event, while the Queen recorded an opening address urging the assembled world leaders to take action on climate change.

Unlike her predecessor Boris Johnson - who became an enthusiastic advocate for the cause of net zero - Ms Truss is thought to be more sceptical of the green agenda. A suspicion that is likely to be fuelled by the latest disclosure.

At the start of September there was dismay among activists when the prime minister appointed Jacob Rees-Mogg - who has blamed “climate alarmism” for high energy prices - as Business Secretary with overall responsibility for energy policy.