Sources close to the negotiations told that any involvement by the King was undoubtedly an attempt to sell the protocol domestically, whereas opponents of the move claim it borders on “constitutional impropriety.”
Ursula von der Leyen will meet with the King this afternoon in Windsor to discuss changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
A palace spokesperson stated, “The king is happy to meet any world leader who visits Britain, and the government advises him to do so.”
The president of the European Union Commission is in the United Kingdom to meet with Rishi Sunak as both sides work to secure an improved Brexit agreement.
King Charles was scheduled to meet Ms. von der Leyen at Number 10 on Saturday, but the meeting was canceled.
A source close to the negotiations stated over the weekend that the King’s participation was unquestionably an attempt to promote the protocol domestically.
However, other government sources are extremely concerned that this will politicize the new king before his coronation.
Former cabinet minister and leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg told, “If there was a plot to bring the King into the country before there is a domestic political agreement, it would border on constitutional impropriety.”
Other parties stated that even considering involving the Monarch in the negotiations was dubious and condemned the action.
Peter Kyle, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary for Labour, stated, “I do not know how the thought of involving the King could cross someone’s mind and reach their mouth before they realize that this is a very, very foolish policy to choose because it has constitutional implications.”
