Diversity is Commonwealth’s strength, Prince Charles to say

At the start of a world summit in Rwanda, the Prince of Wales is expected to remind Commonwealth leaders that their diversity is a “strength.”

Later, in Kigali, Prince Charles will represent the Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

To “stand up for the ideals that link us,” he will advise leaders that their differences are a strength.

Following allegations that he criticised the UK’s asylum seeker strategy for Rwanda, the prince will also see Boris Johnson later.

According to reports, the heir to the throne called the proposal “appalling,” but a Clarence House representative insisted that the prince “is politically neutral.”

The UK’s position on asylum seekers from Rwanda, according to Downing Street, is “unlikely” to come up during the meeting.

Mr Johnson declared that he would remain silent regarding everything the prince told him. However, if the plan was brought up, the prime minister promised to defend it.

Hours before his meeting with Prince Charles, he told broadcasters: “I think people can understand that a lot of preconceptions about Rwanda need to be dispelled.”

According to the prime minister, who travelled to Rwanda with his wife, Carrie Johnson, people “need to keep an open mind about the policies.”

At the meeting on Friday, when Commonwealth leaders will talk about trade, health, and the environment, Prince Charles will give the opening remarks.

Due to the pandemic, the Commonwealth leaders’ meeting was postponed in 2020 and 2021 and has not been convened since.

Before the summit, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will have meetings with Mr Johnson and his wife, Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and First Lady Jeanette Kagame.

Sustainability, youth, and the history and values of the Commonwealth are the three issues that will be covered at the summit.

Leaders and representatives from the majority of the member nations will meet behind closed doors for two days after the opening ceremony.

The applications by former French colonies, Togo and Gabon, to join the Commonwealth will be one of the topics explored.

The Commonwealth, whose head is the Queen, has members from about 54 nations.