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What does the King’s Coronation mean for environmental protection?

Writer's picture: Hollie DimmockHollie Dimmock

Updated: May 8, 2023


The King’s Coronation is a memorable moment that will mark the history books, and many people tried to define its meaning in politics, economic, and public dynamics. Therefore, the coronation has many interpretations, but with an average of 18.8 million people watching the event it goes without question that there is an element of unity when it comes to the comradery of the UK in celebration. However, the value and significance of the coronation is not something that will be discussed in this paper, but on the implications the coronation may have on the future of environmental protection in the UK.

Country Life
Prince Charles and Princess Anne meeting David Attenborough in 1958

The King has always been an advocate for protecting the environment and always been invested in the scientific evidence which supports the climate change crisis. King Charles advocated for the environment during a time when the media was against notions of going green and ridiculed those who participated. The King advocated for organic farming, sustainable initiatives to reduce carbon footprints, and even sustainable fashion. During Cop26 the then Prince of Wales spoke of unity with global leaders focused on achieving a green recovery and the importance of taking action. This highlights the unique position we now have, with a King who is enthusiastic about protecting the environment and sustainability, and who must maintain neutral in political settings but willing to encourage world leaders to focus on the genuine issues that affect the globe.



The impact of having a strong environmental advocate as head of state will have positive impacts for the world, as the King will be an influential figure for future sustainable action. Maintaining a neutral stance on politics ensures that the climate crisis is not used as propaganda for an election but for the long-term health of the world, thus leading to sustainable enhancements that will benefit the environment and green initiatives. This has been noted across the globe, as the climate envoy for President Biden expressed his hope for the now King to push on with his environmental work and highlighted the benefit of the Kings recognition of the global battle of climate change which requires drastic action and vast allies. During the recovery from the Pandemic, the King emphasised the need for a green transition, as we must invest in greener initiatives to maintain job security and improve the health of the world. Therefore, it can be assured that the King will be determined to create a collaborative and unified forefront to battle the climate crisis and environmental degradation.

Prince Charles at Cop26 in Glasgow

The King’s coronation was established as a green event, promoting a sustainable approach, and hopefully emphasising how the King plans to lead his reign through sustainability. The coronation promoted the public to think green with plants as decorations, using reusable cups, and bring your own utensils to street parties. The celebrations today were also thinking green with recycled material, reusable cups for staff, locally sourced food, promoting public transport use, and operating a zero-landfill policy. Prince William stated in his speech during the celebrations today that, ‘as my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future.’ If the coronation is anything to go by, it proves the dedication the King holds for enhancing the worlds environment for the better. The coronation will hopefully lead the way on sustainable celebrations and influence positive action toward sustainability and protecting the environment.

Prince Charles ITV interview, 'I’ve gone on for years about the importance of thinking about the long term in relation to the environmental damage, climate change and everything else. We don’t, in a sensible world, want to hand on an increasingly dysfunctional world to our grandchildren, to leave them with the real problem'

References:

Andre Rhoden-Paul, ‘King Charles III’s Coronation watched by more than 18 million viewers’ BBC (7th May 2023) <www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65518360.amp> Accessed 7th May 2023

BBC ‘COP26: Charles to say 'war-like footing' needed’ (1st November 2021) <COP26: Charles to say 'war-like footing' needed - BBC News> Accessed 7th May 2023

Charlie Hedges, ’10 times King Charles III championed the environment’ Country Living (3 May 2023) <10 times King Charles III championed the environment (countryliving.com)> Accessed 7th May 2023

Eve Edwards, How Sustainability of Coronation Concert Befits Environmentally-friendly Charles’ (Sunday 7th May 2023) <How sustainability of Coronation Concert befits environmentally-friendly Charles (hitc.com)> Accessed 7th May 2023

Rob Corp, ‘I hope King Charles will push for action on climate change, says John Kerry’ BBC (17th September 2022) <I hope King Charles will push for action on climate change, says John Kerry - BBC News> Accessed 7th May 2023

World Economic Forum, ‘Prince Charles: 10 actions we must take to drive the green recovery’ (November 10th 2020) <Prince Charles: 10 actions we must take to drive the green recovery | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)> Accessed 7th May 2023

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