Prince Harry‘s speech during his recent trip to China “didn’t really make the cut”, according to a royal expert. The Duke of Sussex made an unannounced trip to China to warn about climate change and push for sustainable tourism this week.

In his first trip to the country, Harry travelled to Shanghai to speak at a tourism conference where he underlined China’s importance in combating climate change. He said in his speech: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that meaningful change never comes easily. It’s travellers, as the top spenders in international tourism, who wield significant influence. Their choices can drive sustainable, inclusive growth.”

The duke made the Shanghai trip in his role as founder of the Travalyst initiative, a coalition of tourism groups committed to more green practices, which he created in 2019.

Harry’s comments come as the King met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to start a two-day visit, seen as a show of support for Canada in the face of annexation threats from US President Donald Trump.

King Charles and Queen Camilla processed through the Canadian capital in a carriage ahead of their historic appearance at the country’s state opening of parliament.

In his historic speech, the King warned that Canada is facing a “critical moment” in its history, with the world a “more dangerous and uncertain place”.

He told the parliament “self-determination” was among a number of values Canada held dear and the government was “determined to protect”.

Now, a royal expert said that Harry’s speech in China could not compare to his father’s in Canada.

News.com.au’s royal correspondent Bronte Coy told The Sun: “[King Charles’s speech] was a very supportive speech.

“And I think that, as I say, even though it was such a quick trip, it had such a major impact. [Whereas] Harry’s didn’t really make the cut.”

In his 26-minute speech, both in English and French, the King said: “Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.

“The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing.

“We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.

“Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”

Meanwhile, Harry said: “I’ve had the privilege of working in conservation for more than 20 years and I’ve witnessed first-hand how tourism can be both a catalyst for positive change and a source of environmental and cultural strain.”

“Now is the moment for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to being a force for good. Challenges will undoubtedly rise. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that meaningful change never comes easily.

“The true measure of our commitment is how we respond when the path becomes difficult. We must never give up.”