CHARLES ‘APPALLED’ BY RWANDA POLICY
THE Prince of Wales is said to remain “politically neutral”, despite having reportedly branded the Government’s policy to send migrants to Rwanda “appalling”.
The Times newspaper said a source had heard Charles express opposition to the policy several times in private, and that he was “more than disappointed” by it.
The comments come after Home Secretary Priti Patel welcomed a High Court ruling paving the way for the first flight to the east African country to go ahead on Tuesday.
It The Times reported that Charles is especially frustrated at the policy as he is set to represent the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Rwandan capital later this month.
Several people due to be sent to Rwanda as part of Ms Patel’s bid to curb Channel crossings, as well as campaign groups and a union, had asked judges to block their deportation flight.
Up to 130 people had been notified they could be removed, and on Friday the court in London heard 31 people were due on the first flight, with the Home Office planning to schedule more this year.
A Clarence House spokesman said: “We would not comment on supposed anonymous private conversations with the Prince of Wales, except to restate that he remains politically neutral. Matters of policy are decisions for government.”
As head of state, Charles’ mother the Queen has to remain neutral with respect to political matters and does not vote or stand for election, the Royal Family’s official website says.
Traditionally, royals do not become involved in political matters.
However, Charles, a future king, has been outspoken in the past and faced criticism over his involvement in public and political issues.
In a BBC documentary to mark his 70th birthday in 2018, he said he would stop speaking out on issues when he became king, saying he was “not that stupid” to continue what some had termed as “meddling”.
The prince acknowledged he would not be “able to do the same things I’ve done as heir” and as monarch would have to operate within “constitutional parameters”.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said there is a risk is of “an opinionated prince morphing into a meddlesome king”.
Writing in The Spectator, Mr Hunt said that in the latest instance regarding Rwanda, despite the statement from Clarence House, Charles has not been neutral in making the reported comments.
Mr Hunt added: “A man teetering on the edge of inheriting a unifying role as Head of the Nation has entered a divisive debate very firmly on the side of Boris Johnson’s opponents. One day those occupying the roles of Prime Minister and Home Secretary will be devising immigration policy as members of His Majesty’s Government.”
Charles will be joined in Rwanda by the Duchess of Cornwall as Commonwealth prime ministers and presidents gather for CHOGM.
The future king will spend his first day meeting survivors and perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide.
CHOGM will take place in Kigali during the week of June 20, after its postponement in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Shortly after his ruling at the High Court, Mr Justice Swift granted the claimants permission to appeal.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ms Patel welcomed the High Court’s decision.
The Home Secretary said: “I welcome the court’s decision in our favour, and will now continue to deliver on progressing our worldleading migration partnership.
“People will continue to try and prevent their relocation through legal challenges and last-minute claims, but we will not be deterred in breaking the deadly people-smuggling trade and ultimately saving lives.”
Campaigners said they were “disappointed” for the welfare of those due to be sent to Rwanda but added they would appeal the decision.