UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 rejected claims that King Charles’ visit to Cornwall, joined by Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner, was politically motivated ahead of a housing announcement.
Downing Street said the King’s visit to the housing project in Cornwall did not threaten to drag the monarch into politics.
Why did King Charles, Keir Starmer, and Angela Rayner visit Nansledan?
The monarch, Labour leader and deputy prime minister took part in a rare joint tour of Nansledan, a 120-hectare expansion of Newquay, to explore shared interests in modern housing solutions.
As The Guardian reported, the uncommon visit follows earlier discussions on housing, including conversations from Labour’s time in opposition, during which they also discussed the Nansledan project.
According to reports, Keir Starmer showed interest in visiting the development. At the same time, King Charles proposed a tour for him and the housing secretary to explore the community he aimed to build.
Was the king’s visit to Cornwall timed to avoid political implications?
Sources from the government minimised the coincidence of the visit, which occurred just before a significant housing announcement. One insider said, “We’ve actually put great efforts into not drawing any link with the royal visit,” adding, “The king has long been passionate about this issue.”
When asked about the King’s involvement in politics due to the timing of the tour, Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson stated,
“No. Obviously, this project is entirely run by the palace and the Duchy [of Cornwall], but the government has spoken repeatedly on its ambitions on house building.”
A government source said the king wanted to “show off, in the nicest possible way”, the Cornish development.
Another insider emphasized the importance of the public understanding that new developments, like Nansledan, come with necessary infrastructure and services that promote a strong community.
What did palace sources say about the King’s housing visit?
Palace insiders revealed that King Charles and the Prime Minister had a mutual interest in housing since Sir Keir’s time in opposition.
The sources clarified that the visit was just for demonstration, and its timing was purely coincidental, not tied to any official announcement.
The site’s chief executive, Charlotte Hill, led the tour, showing the cafe, community kitchen, and allotments. Afterwards, she commented, “It is not often that we get this opportunity, and it is really good for us to be able to demonstrate just what can be done.”
During the visit, she highlighted how the orchard offered a wide array of services, including career guidance, well-being sessions, and art functions.
How significant was Monday’s royal visit with the prime minister?
The visit is thought to be a rare occasion where a monarch was accompanied by both the prime minister and deputy prime minister on a joint royal initiative, making it a significant moment in recent royal engagements.
Back in 1998, Prince of Wales Charles personally hosted Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to visit his Duchy land in Dorchester, Dorset, showcasing his housing project.
How many homes has Labour pledged to build before the next election?
The Labour leader has established a task force to meet the housing target of 1.5 million homes before the next election.
However, industry experts, including Britain’s largest housing firm, have stated that due to a severe skills shortage, an ageing labour force, and the effects of Brexit, current governments will not achieve the promised target of homes.