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Charles, who became king last month following the death of his
mother Queen Elizabeth, spoke at the opening ceremony of the
2021 summit in Glasgow, which he described as a "last chance
saloon" to save the world from climate change.
Earlier this month a royal source said Buckingham Palace had
sought government advice about the summit and it was unanimously
agreed it would not be right for Charles to visit in person. The
Sunday Times newspaper reported he had been told not to go by
then prime minister Liz Truss.
"I think it's very helpful to have leaders of countries be in
Sharm el-Sheikh, representative leaders whether it is the
government or monarchy, I think it would be terrific," Kerry
told Sky News late on Thursday when asked if the king's presence
would help proceedings.
"I know that his being there would make a difference ... because
he has credibility, because he has been a long-term leader,"
said Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
On Thursday, Rishi Sunak's office confirmed the new British
prime minister would not be attending the summit next month so
he could focus on domestic issues and a major fiscal statement.
"I can think of nothing personally stronger than to see the
government present there, and also the head of state present
there. I think it would be very powerful," Kerry said.
Environment minister Therese Coffey told Sky News on Friday it
was up to King Charles to decide where he focussed his
priorities, but that she and several other senior government
ministers would be attending the summit.
(Reporting by Muvija M, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)
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