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Prince Charles makes rare public statement about Prince Harry: 'Proud'

Prince Charles has made a rare public statement about Prince Harry, praising both him and brother Prince William for their work combating climate change.

In an essay for America's Newsweek magazine, the 73-year-old royal said he was "proud" of both of his sons' efforts, even after Harry made several revelations about their strained relationship.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Admiral of the Fleet
Prince Charles has publically mentioned his son Harry. Photo: Getty

"As a father, I am proud that my sons have recognised this threat [of climate change]," Charles wrote.

"Most recently, my elder son, William, launched the prestigious Earthshot Prize to incentivise change and help repair our planet over the next 10 years by identifying and investing in the technologies that can make a difference.

"And my younger son, Harry, has passionately highlighted the impact of climate change, especially in relation to Africa, and committed his charity to being net zero."

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charles and harry
The father and son relationship are reported to be at an 'all time low'. Photos: CBS/Getty

Ongoing strained relationship

The move could be seen as an olive branch to Harry, who most recently seemed to throw his father under the bus when he explained he 'severed ties' with controversial Saudi billionaire Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz a year before Charles presented him with a CBE - Order of the British Empire

Reports suggested the Prince of Wales was said to be 'distraught' and the father and son relationship had hit an 'all time low'.

Prince Harry also accused the royal family of "total neglect" and "bullying him into silence" during his Apple TV documentary series with Oprah Winfrey.

prince harry on apple tv
Prince Harry has made a series of bombshell revelations about his father and the royal family. Photo: Apple TV

And in a previous interview on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the Duke of Sussex had already blasted his father Charles, saying he felt his father handed down a "cycle of genetic pain and suffering" to him.

The royals reportedly hadn't spoken in months, with Charles deciding to keep 'a dignified silence' because he fears a public split could affect his reign, sources told The Sun.

The father and son last spoke in person at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral eight months ago, and insiders say they have only exchanged a few 'fraught' phone calls since.

Charles' climate plea

In the same essay, Charles also reflected on his late father, Prince Philip's, efforts to help the planet through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

He wrote: "Sixty years ago, my late father identified the damage humankind was inflicting on the planet and helped to found the World Wildlife Fund. A decade later, when I first spoke publicly about the environment, many wondered if my sense of urgency was misplaced.

"That view has shifted in the intervening decades, though all too slowly, and, even today, lacks the urgency needed."

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales at a Prince's Trust International reception
Charles warned "the time is now" when it comes to taking action against climate change. Photo: Getty

Charles warned "the time is now" when it comes to taking action against climate change, adding he believes the "world is on the brink" and urgent action is needed.

He added: “The eyes of our children and grandchildren are judging us. Let ours be the generation that ‘can.’ And does. As we enter a new year, there is not a moment to lose.”

"I have seen at first-hand the impact of false dawns. In November, I travelled to Jordan and, standing at the Baptism site of Jesus, could see the depleting levels of water in what is already one of the most water poor countries in the world.

"In Egypt, who will preside over the next C.O.P. meeting, I heard about the devastating impact of climate change on water and agriculture in the Nile Delta, now one of the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth.

"Later that month, when I travelled to Barbados, I listened to peoples’ fears about the rising sea levels and the resulting threat posed to their country’s very existence.

"The world is on the brink and we need the mobilising urgency of a war-like footing if we are to win."

Additional reporting by Bang Showbiz.

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