King Charles warned against trusting Keir Starmer's 'costly initiatives'

Starmer’s enthusiasm is in stark contrast to his predecessor Rishi Sunak who was reluctant to let the monarch speak freely on green issues.

Last year, much to Charles’ displeasure, he was “advised” by the former Prime Minister to not attend COP27 in Egypt in 2022.

The monarch was allowed to go to COP28 in Dubai last year, though this is understood to have been done reluctantly.

However, sources told the Daily Mail that Charles should be careful of following Starmer, who is keen to allow the monarch to discuss eco-problems freely.

“The King should beware. Labour's costly green initiatives may not be popular once the bills start to land,” they said.

Throughout his life, Charles has championed environmental issues and has been a leading climate change advocate, giving his first speech on the matter aged just 21.

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The King has spent years campaigning for conservation, organic farming and other eco causes. Whilst sustainability has become popular and trendy in recent years, Bob Ward, a policy and communications director, said the King’s passion for the environment was viewed as an “oddity” in his early years.

In May, the monarch warned in an address to the United Nations that the planet is at a “crucial moment” and “action is needed”.

Speaking at the UN 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States, Charles said “bold and determined action” was required to protect vulnerable nations from climate change and nature loss.

Speaking from inside Buckingham Palace, the King said: “You have gathered at a crucial moment for our planet, and for all of us who share it.

“Small Island Developing States exemplify, in so many ways, the challenges facing our world: from rising sea levels, to food and water insecurity; from ever more intense disasters to the disproportionate impact of global shocks

“Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to visit many small island nations. Time and again - whether in Vanuatu or Barbuda - I have seen the critical challenges you face, and how they can multiply to a terrifying and existential degree.”

The King concluded his address by stating: “The issues before you could hardly be more important. Your future is our future. Our islands, our oceans, our planet and, ultimately, all of us need bold and determined action.”