The King had to be fanned down by one of his top aides as he felt the heat at a climate change event in stifling temperatures.
As the country endured its hottest June day on record today, he joined delegates from politics, science, business and international climate diplomacy for an environmental reception at St James’s Palace this afternoon. And as Charles mingled with the guests, Master of the Household, retired Vice Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, whose department handles official and private entertaining across all royal residences, held a small electric fan close to the King.
The historic building does not have air conditioning, and large fans were dotted around the rooms where guests could view stands showcasing green initiatives, and dozens of traditional hand-held fans were given to those attending.
Some of those attending mopped the sweat from their brows, including Charles, who was seen dabbing his face. Many others also fanned their faces as, with the windows closed and curtains drawn against the heat, there was little moving air in the room.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband spoke at the event, taking place during London Climate Action Week, and began by making “safety announcements”, telling guests a nurse was available if needed and there was a quieter room for those affected by the heat. He added: “The very fact that we have to do that here in the UK in June says quite a lot about the circumstances that we are in.”
The gathering was aimed at accelerating momentum on super-pollutant action and was hosted by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with speakers including Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Mr Miliband added: “First, as I said at the outset, here we are in London on a 35C day. This didn’t used to be normal, but unfortunately, it is now the new normal, and we know that reducing methane emissions and other super-pollutants is one of the best things we can do to act on the climate crisis.
“We know we have to, because we know this is at best the new normal and at worst the coolest summers we’re going to have in the future, and that is a very chastening thought.”
It’s been a busy day for the King today, who also completed two other engagements in the capital in the soaring heat. Firstly, he met the Afghan Refugee Women’s cricket team at Clarence House this morning, hearing how they were smuggled out of the country, fleeing the Taliban following death threats.
The team, which is not recognised in Afghanistan, where women’s sport is banned, is in the UK for a series of matches. Charles had planned to meet the team in the gardens at Clarence House but the event, which was organised through the UK foreign office, was moved inside due to the heatwave.
Afterwards, he surprised a star student with his Jiu Jitsu black belt, during a visit to a world-renowned martial arts school.
Charles took part in the ceremony at the Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Hammersmith, one of the world ’s leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) schools.
As he watched a range of demonstrations from students of all abilities, the King reminisced on his time in the Royal Navy, joking that their grappling skills resembled him taking part in a tug-of-war on board HMS Bronington.
After the presentation, the King was presented with his own white belt, the entry-level grading in the sport. Chuckling, the King waved the belt in front of his face as the students applauded.
