King Charles 'could be first royal in space' after astronaut says 'it's possible'
A British astronaut has sensationally suggested that King Charles might be the first member of the Royal Family to venture into space, stating that it "could be made possible". Tim Peake, a former army officer and the first British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut to board the International Space Station, embarked on his six-month Principia mission in May 2013.
Charles, who has long been an advocate for environmental causes, may now have set his sights set on the stars. Tim disclosed that he had a conversation with the monarch at Hampton Court earlier this year about the "space environment".
Astronaut Tim hinted at the possibility of the King having higher aspirations.
Richard Eden of the Mail even speculated that Charles could become the "first royal to take flight into space". Tim shared with 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 further commented: "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)."
However, whether King Charles could withstand the rigorous training required of astronauts remains to be seen. Tim's preparation included learning Russian, understanding the science and engineering of spaceflight, and learning various other skills such as minor surgery, dentistry, and survival techniques.
He also braved parabolic flights, known as the "vomit comet", to simulate weightlessness, underwent underwater training, and even endured a centrifuge to acclimatise to the g-forces of space launch.
This isn't the first instance of the King engaging with space-related matters. In 2023, he hosted astronauts, environmentalists, scientists, and others at a Space Sustainability Event at Buckingham Palace.
At this event, King Charles revealed the Astra Carta seal, marking the introduction of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta framework, aimed at fostering a sustainable space industry.
In other news, the monarch was seen sporting a kilt during his visit to Caithness in the north of Scotland on Monday (July 28), a region he is particularly fond of, often visiting the nearby Castle of Mey.
His trip included a stop at the community of Scrabster on Thurso Bay, where he engaged with people from the nuclear sector. The visit was facilitated by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dounreay nuclear site.
Additionally, while in Thurso, he encountered locals including David Mackay and his wife, Jacky, who were notably impressed by the firmness of the King's handshake.
Mr Mackay expressed his feelings to the John O'Groat Journal and the Caithness Courier, stating: "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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