King Charles appeared to sum up how much of Britain was feeling as a senior royal aide stepped in with a handheld fan during an engagement held in the country’s hottest June weather on record.
The King was attending a climate reception at St James’s Palace when soaring temperatures prompted Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, the Master of the Household, to hold a small battery-powered fan beside the monarch while he chatted with guests.
The candid moment came as the UK recorded a provisional temperature of 35.8C, eclipsing the previous June record set in 1976 and leaving much of the country sweltering.
Charles was hosting politicians, scientists and business leaders at the reception, which formed part of London Climate Action Week and focused on tackling climate change and reducing harmful super-pollutants.
With the historic palace lacking air conditioning, organisers relied on large portable fans to circulate air, while guests were handed traditional paper fans to help cope with the oppressive conditions. Many were seen wiping sweat from their brows as temperatures climbed.
Opening the event, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband acknowledged the extraordinary weather, telling attendees that medical staff were available if anyone became unwell because of the heat.
“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,” he said.
Later, Mr Miliband described the soaring temperatures as “the new normal”, warning that Britain could face even hotter summers in the years ahead if climate change is not tackled.
During the reception, the King toured exhibits showcasing work to reduce methane, black carbon and other super-pollutants, speaking with representatives from organisations including the Clean Air Task Force, the Clean Air Fund and the Wellcome Trust.
The event highlighted international efforts to accelerate action on emissions that have a significant impact on global warming, with delegates gathering despite the exceptionally challenging conditions inside the centuries-old royal residence.
