Prince hails the Commonwealth ‘family’ in fight against terror
THE Prince of Wales praised the cooperation of the Commonwealth “family” in addressing the “pernicious evil of terrorism”, as he delivered a significant speech underlining the importance of Britain’s worldwide relationships.
The Prince said he was undertaking a “Commonwealth Tour” of Singapore, Malaysia and India, speaking of the “special importance” of the relationship in delivering a “better future for our children and grandchildren”.
While the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have recently appeared focused on the so-called “Brexit charm offensive”, with senior members of the Royal Family undertaking trips to Europe to cement friendships, the Prince and Duchess of Cornwall are currently celebrating Commonwealth ties in a 10-day tour of diplomatic and charity engagements.
In a toast last night, the Prince of Wales called for the cooperation of the “Commonwealth family” to address the rising threat of terrorism and the “horror of man-made climate change”, pointing out the “one plus one can equal so much more than two”.
The Prince, who has previously represented the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, made a case for the “family” to work together to bring about a bright future.
Responding to a toast at the Singapore presidential palace, where the royal couple were hosted by Halimah Yacob, the president, and her husband, the Prince said: “Our two countries understand that if we are to address the challenges facing our world – from the horror of man-made climate change to the pernicious evil of terrorism – we must work together in partnership, just as we must if we are to enrich our societies and fuel our economies to deliver better futures for our children and grandchildren.
“At the core of our relationship, Madam President, is our shared belief that, by working together, one plus one can equal so much more than two.”
He added: “It was so important to my wife and I that, as we look forward to the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London next year, we should start this Commonwealth Tour in Singapore where the very first CHOGM was held 36 years ago.
“Singapore is an essential and deeply valued member of our Commonwealth family, the special importance of which has been a cornerstone in my life as, of course, it has been for the Queen.”
For royal observers, the speech will enjoy special significance, as the Royal Family bands together as “Team Windsor” to share the heavy workload of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh between children and grandchildren.
While the Prince will likely one day be Head of the Commonwealth, the position is not hereditary and will rely on the support of other leaders across the globe to allow him to follow in his mother’s footsteps.
This week, he will make his first visit to Malaysia, before travelling to India to underline the UK’S commitment to allies worldwide.
Paying tribute to the ties between Britain and Singapore, the Prince told an audience: “Today, ours is a close partnership of equals, underpinned by our shared history and, if I may say so, by the trust and understanding that come with true friendship.”
The Prince spoke on the second day of the Commonwealth tour, on which he visited Singapore’s Cenotaph to pay tribute to World War veterans, attended a discussion on religious harmony and undertook bilateral talks with the president and prime minister.
He also visited a spectacular treetop walkway over a rainforest in Singapore, in line with his focus on environmental issues. In an unusual security detail, the Prince was kept safe from marauding primates by a “monkey guard” who wielded a long stick to keep the mischievous animals at bay.
The remainder of the trip will see the Prince and Duchess conducting diplomatic and charitable engagements aimed at raising awareness of shared Commonwealth goals.