There is controversy surrounding the meeting between King Charles and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, which took place as a deal was reached between the EU and the UK. Downing Street, the European Union, and Buckingham Palace have all denied organizing the meeting, leaving the question of who arranged it unanswered. The UK government sources claimed that the audience was requested by the EU Commission, but Brussels denies this and says that the meeting was offered by the UK government. Buckingham Palace has clarified that the King was not involved in arranging the meeting and would not make such a high-profile political invitation himself.
The meeting has sparked backlash from Tory Brexiteers and leading figures within the Democratic Unionist Party, who feel that it drags the King into a controversial political issue. Former DUP leader Arlene Foster criticized the decision as crass, and Jacob Rees-Mogg called it constitutionally unwise to involve the King in a matter of immediate political controversy. A government source has insisted that the meeting was at the behest of the EU Commission, but Brussels denies this, stating that they were not expecting the meeting.
During the meeting, the King warmly shook hands with the European Commission President at Windsor Castle, less than two hours after she signed off on changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol. The meeting has been criticized by some as a serious error of judgment, with royal commentator Peter Hunt suggesting that it was a foolish bid by the King to be seen as statesmanlike. Buckingham Palace has stated that the King is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and that it was the Government’s advice that he should do so.
The meeting was intended to discuss a broad range of issues, including climate change and Ukraine, with Brexit possibly coming up as well. The Prime Minister and Ms. von der Leyen held final talks before the breakthrough was announced, and a range of views has been expressed regarding the meeting between the King and von der Leyen. While some see it as a mistake and feel that the King should not be involved until there is full support for the agreement, others believe that the King’s involvement is appropriate. Ultimately, the meeting has left many questioning who arranged it and whether it was a wise decision.
»King Charles meets European Commission Chief, Ursula von der Leyen«
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