Trump snubs prince to skip climate lecture
DonalD Trump’s forthcoming State visit to Britain was hit by a diplomatic row last night after it emerged he wants to avoid Prince Charles because of their dispute over global warming.
The US president is understood to have made it clear he does not want talks with the prince at Clarence House – a regular feature of such visits. Mr Trump is said to fear a meeting will encourage environmentalists to stage protests against him.
Reports of the threatened snub come a week after the publication of Charles’s book about the threat posed by climate change.
The rift threatens to cast a cloud over Theresa May’s hopes that the visit she announced during her trip to america last week would seal a new anglo-US ‘special relationship’.
The prince is said to regard Mr Trump’s views on climate change as ‘appalling’ and is ‘relaxed’ about the prospect of not meeting him.
‘If the opportunity arises, the prince would discuss the issue with the president in a courteous, respectful and candid way,’ said a well-placed source. ‘If the president does not want tea at Clarence House, that is a matter for him. It would be a pity because, as a non-politician, Charles is in a unique position to raise matters like this. Either way, he will play a full part in the state visit.’
Instead of seeing Prince Charles, Mr Trump wants tea or dinner and a photocall with William and Kate at Kensington Palace – ‘to get even with obama’ who was accorded the privilege last year.
an insider said: ‘The White House has got it into its head that Charles is going to lecture Trump about climate change. They don’t want that to happen. Charles doesn’t mind either way. He thinks Trump’s statements on this subject and others are frankly appalling. If Trump meets Charles, the prince will raise the matter because he feels passionately about it. He isn’t going to cause a row. But if Trump doesn’t want to meet him, so be it.’
another source said: ‘Trump is treating the state visit like one long wishlist of egotistical treats and photocalls. There is little evidence he plans to do much of any seriousness or substance.’
Mr Trump – who has described global warming as a Chinese ‘hoax’ intended to wreck american industry – will be unable to avoid Charles altogether.
The heir to the throne customarily greets a visiting head of state on his arrival in Britain and escorts them to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial parade with the queen.
afterwards, Trump and his wife Melania are expected to spend two nights at Buckingham Palace, which will include a state banquet, which Charles will also attend.