Ramblings of a 70-year old: Buckingham Palace

Monday, October 31, 2022

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could attend the COP27 climate summit

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Britain, had pulled out of COP27 Climate Talks in Egypt. The reason cited was “pressing domestic commitments” related to November 17 Autumn Statement. However, he could after all make a U-turn and attend following a major Tory backlash. It seems his rival Boris Johnson, who took a leading role at last year’s COP26 in Glasgow - was planning to go. Sources in No 10 says Rishi Sunak could make it to Egypt “if he gets enough work done.” Environment Department minister Mark Spencer told a section of the media - “He’s come into office, he’s got an inbox which is full to the brim. Clearly, he wants to concentrate on the financial statement and that’s what he’s doing. But if he’s able to get through all of that, you know, COP is very important. It’s important to the government, it’s important to our future, and so we’ll send out senior ministers. That’s yet to be decided who’s going to go.” These developments came after COP26 President Alok Sharma, a Tory minister, said he was “disappointed” while ex-Chancellor George Osborne said the PM had “mishandled” the situation. Rishi Sunak could attend COP27 climate summit in major U-turn after Tory backlash.

Mr Sunak has vowed to protect the environment as he sent congratulations to left-winger Lula da Silva for triumphing in Brazil’s presidential election. The PM tweeted they would work on “growing the global economy to protecting the planet’s natural resources and promoting democratic values.” Incidentally, King Charles agreed to host a climate change reception at Buckingham Palace after he was stopped from attending a summit in Egypt. The monarch had pulled out of the COP27 meeting on the advice of the government. It takes off in Sharm El-Sheikh next weekend. However, there was an announcement that he will hold his own gathering on Friday. Its purpose would be to bring together hundreds of business leaders and climate campaigners. The reception of the King at Buckingham Palace on November 4 will be on the eve of the UN conference in Egypt. The Palace said it will "bring together over 200 international business leaders, decision makers and NGOs to mark the end of the United Kingdom's presidency of Cop26 and look ahead to the Cop27 summit in Egypt."

Friday, October 28, 2022

Spare is the title of Prince Harry’s 416-page memoir, publishers Penguin Random House

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare is due for release on January 10. Royal insiders have labeled the choice of the title of the memoir as "confrontational" and "yet another attack on the royal family." The name Spare is believed to be a nod to the phrase 'The Heir and Spare.' This was used to describe Harry and his older brother Prince William based on their positions within the line of succession. A description of the book claims it will take "readers immediately back to one of the most searing images of the twentieth century.” It was of two young boys walking behind the coffin of their mother while the world watched in sorrow and horror. The cost of the book in hardback form will be £28 while the cost of the audio version, voiced by Harry himself, will be £20. The publishers re Penguin Random House and they revealed the language for the memoir will English in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Canada. Moreover, it will also be in 15 additional languages, including Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese. Prince Harry reveals first details of memoir including bitter title and striking cover photo. Palace lawyers will be on standby in the New Year to see the contents of the memoir. The contents will no doubt be explosive and observers feel there will be remote chance of this book acting as a vehicle for reconciliation for the royal couple of Prince Harry and Meghan Mrkle.

In the description under the heading "about the author" it mentions about Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs. It also mentions that Harry is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. The money raised from the sale proceeds will go to charities. He has already donated $1,500,000 to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild. He was their patron during his time as a working royal. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the book. It seems King Charles and William are -"increasingly uneasy" about its contents. They fear it could affect their family relations. News about Harry’s tell-all book came last year. At the time, Harry said - "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man, I have become.”