The Prince of Wales is due to represent the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Rwanda this month
Prince Charles has branded the government’s Rwanda deportation scheme “appalling” and is said to be particularly displeased with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
News of the 73-year-old royal’s significant “disappointment” comes after a source told the Times that Charles expressed his lack of support for the UK government‘s impending asylum seeker policy in private on multiple occasions.
The plans, headed up by home secretary Priti Patel, will see those seeking asylum and deemed to have arrived illegally deported to Rwanda, more than 4,000 miles away. Those hoping to apply for an EU country have just one week to submit all of the documents needed to secure their place. The plans have been met with protests across the country.
Moreover, the insider claimed that the Prince of Wales was particularly concerned about the timing of the plans as well, expressing frustration that the rollout is set to coincide with his an important diplomatic visit, as he is due to represent the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, later this month.
The first passenger planes containing deported asylum seekers are expected to set off as early next week, with the first fight due to leave on June 14. It is yet to be confirmed how many people and how many different nationalities will be onboard but the first batch of asylum seekers are due to be deported before Charles arrives at the summit on June 23.
Clarence House, Charles and Camilla’s official residence did not deny the royal next in line to the throne’s opposition to the policy but insisted he has not tried to influence legislation, assuming that “he remains politically neutral. Matters of policy are decisions for government”.
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