Ricki is only 8 years old and attends the third grade of a school in Rayleigh, in the south of England. But he is not just any child. Despite his very young age, he is already an ecological activist committed to safeguarding the green spaces of his home cityà e he became concerned at the news of the imminent felling of 63 trees from Taylor Wimpey, a British construction company. Cedars, Maples, Oaks and plantains are destined to be eliminated to make way for a residential area. And Ricky decided to ask King Charles III for help directly.
Little Ricky writes to King Charles, a passionate ecologist like him
In its heartfelt letter to the sovereign, little Ricky wrote: «In my city there are trees, insects and birds. They are beautiful and a lot of fun to look at, but I hear Mr. Taylor Wimpey and his friends are going to cut down the trees, causing damage to birds and insects. This makes me really sad.”
King Charles was impressed by the child’s words
Perhaps unbeknownst to him, Ricky’s words inevitably appealed to thecommitment demonstrated for decades by the sovereign in guaranteeing the school education of children on the principles of the fight for the environment: “Can you do anything to save the trees, insects and birds?” asked the little one. “They taught me at school that they are very important to me and the planet. Trees give us oxygen and help keep the air clean. Insects and birds pollinate plants. We need it to be healthy and happy.”
The moved response of King Charles
Following the practice at Buckingham Palace, the King replied through the Royal Correspondence Office, thanking Ricky for his thoughtful letter. And while his role as an impartial monarch doesn’t allow him to intervene personally and ban logging, he admitted he shares Ricky’s concerns.
«His Majestyto supports global efforts to protect nature» wrote the Royal post clerk, «and firmly believes that we all have a role to play in preventing climate change and the loss of biodiversityto”.
King Charles and son William plant a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth in Sandringham, April 2023 (Getty Images)
The “Carlo effect” leads to the planting of new trees
Meanwhile, the managers of the building project offer an olive branch. While maintaining the intention to remove the 62 trees with the permission of the authoritiesto municipalities, have promised to plant them more of 100 in their place, plus 540 hedges. King Charles not And intervened personally, but Ricky’s letter to the sovereign not And certainly been ignored.
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