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King Charles moving reunion with pal: ‘been waiting for you long time’
King Charles met with his old friend in what appeared to be first time in decades at St James’s Palace, as the moment was caught on camera.
On Wednesday, the monarch, who has been a lifelong advocate of protecting the natural environment, including rainforest, had invited Brazilian indigenous leader Chief Raoni Metuktire of the Kayapo people on his “final visit” to the UK.
In a video clip shared by DailyMail’s Rebecca English, Charles was seen holding hands of the wheelchair-bound indigenous leader, who is “approximately” 93, have an emotional conversation facilitated by the translators.
Chief Raoni has campaigned to save the Amazon rainforest for decades and was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work. Charles has supported the work but the two aging leaders had not met in a long time.
The meeting was also an indication that the cancer-stricken monarch would be meeting his fellow campaigner for the last time in-person.
“I haven’t seen you for so long,” Charles said as he shook the elderly man’s hand.
The chief’s translator said, “He’s been waiting for you a long time.” Charles agreed, “It’s been a long time.”
During the conversation, Charles noted that they first met in the ’80s and in 2009, they met when the then-Prince of Wales had visited San Paolo, Brazil.
The two friends shared a tender moment, despite the language barrier, with the chief reaching out to place his hand on Charles’s suit jacket while speaking at length. The king kept his attention to his old friend and patted his arm.
The translator then shared, “He said it’s been a long time since he wanted to meet you to thank you for everything you do for Brazil and its indigenous people.
“He says he is still fighting for his people. And he says he wants to continue to count on you to keep helping us to protect for the Amazon rainforest. There are a lot of challenges there.”
Then looking ahead, he requested the King’s support for younger generational leaders.
The moment was caught as Charles had joined scientists, business and indigenous leaders for a reception with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA). |
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