King Charles 'could become first royal in space' after astronaut shares revealing comments
A British astronaut has hinted that King Charles could be the first royal in space after revealing that it "could be made possible". Tim Peake is an ex-army officer who became the first British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut to visit the International Space Station, jetting into space for the six-month Principia mission in May 2013.
Ever a champion for green causes, Charles now seems to have turned his attention to the final frontier. Tim revealed that he had met with the monarch at Hampton Court earlier this year to discuss the "space environment".
Astronaut Tim hinted that the King may have loftier ambitions.
Indeed, the Mail's Richard Eden suggested that Charles could even be the "first royal to take flight into space".
Tim told him: "We had a meeting earlier this year in Hampton Court about how we can protect the space environment. I think space is the next frontier for him. I'm sure if he would like to go, it could be made possible."
He added: "The King's passionate about space and realises we need to grasp this opportunity, to start using space, a wonderful environment, to benefit here (Earth)."
Whether the King could endure the gruelling astronaut training may be another matter. Tim not only had to learn Russian and the science and engineering of spaceflight but also a range of other disciplines, including minor surgery, dentistry, and survival training.
He also endured parabolic flights, dubbed the "vomit comet", to experience weightlessness, underwater training, and even spent time in a centrifuge to prepare for the g-forces of launch.
Yet, it wouldn't be the first time that such a topic has been on the mind of the King. In 2023, he was joined by astronauts, environmentalists, scientists and others at a Space Sustainability Event at Buckingham Palace.
During the event, King Charles unveiled the Astra Carta seal as part of the launch of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta framework, an initiative that sought to build a sustainable space industry.
In other news, the monarch was recently spotted donning a kilt as he visited Caithness in the north of Scotland on Monday (July 28), an area for which he is known to have a fondness, having been a regular visitor to the nearby Castle of Mey.
He visited the settlement of Scrabster on Thurso Bay to meet people in the nuclear sector. Indeed, the visit was hosted by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) as part of proceedings to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dounreay nuclear site.
During his visit, he also met with a number of onlookers in Thurso, including David Mackay and his wife, Jacky, who were shocked to discover the strength of the King's handshake.
Mr Mackay told the John O'Groat Journal and the Caithness Courier: "I remember the Queen Mother coming to Caithness and now to meet the King, I am honoured – absolutely honoured.
"And his handshake is so strong! It's a wonderful thing for Caithness, the fact that royalty have got so much love for the county."
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