Prime Minister Gaston Browne has praised King Charles III’s work on climate change and environmental protection, saying his global influence provides valuable support for small island states such as Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Browne said climate action was an area in which he and the king were fully aligned.
“He has done an enormous amount of work and he has my full respect,” Browne said.
The prime minister recalled being concerned that Charles’ accession to the throne could limit his ability to speak publicly on environmental issues, potentially weakening an important voice for vulnerable countries.
Browne said he raised that concern with then-British Prime Minister Liz Truss shortly after Charles became king, urging that the monarch’s contribution to climate advocacy be preserved.
“His Majesty is such an asset for global conservation and for climate that I hope he will not constrain his advocacy because we need a strong voice, especially small countries like Antigua and Barbuda that does not have that type of global reach,” Browne recalled saying.
He said he did not receive a firm commitment, but remained concerned about any restrictions that might affect the king’s environmental work.
“I was very concerned at the time that they would want to constrain his work, climate work, which obviously would help small island states like Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.
Browne said the king had demonstrated sustained commitment to the environment and made a significant contribution through his advocacy.
“From that standpoint, His Majesty has shown great commitment, has done a significant amount of work, and as I said before, we are fully aligned,” he said.
His praise came during a wider discussion about Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with the monarchy, in which Browne reaffirmed his personal preference for the country to become a republic.
However, he said that position did not diminish his respect for the king or prevent them from maintaining a warm relationship.
“I consider His Majesty to be a friend. We have met so often,” Browne said.
The prime minister recalled attending a reception at Dumfries House in the United Kingdom about two weeks before the interview and said differences over the monarchy would not divide them.
Source: Antigua News Room PM Gaston Browne praises King Charles’ climate advocacy for small islands.