King Charles asked to intervene in Australian Government’s looming live sheep export ban

King Charles has received an unofficial request to intervene in the Albanese Government’s controversial policy to shut down Australia’s live sheep export trade. It comes after an announcement on Sunday that the monarch will remain as patron of The Campaign for Wool, an initiative he launched in 2010 to help promote the benefits of wool over synthetic fibres. The King’s continued support for agriculture was confirmed as he continues to battle a potentially life-threatening cancer diagnosis, which had prompted speculation he would take a step back. The announcement was made via The Campaign for Wool’s Facebook page, just a day after the Australian Government set a May 2028 cut-off date for its planned live sheep export phase-out. A comment on the post, which attracted 118 likes, suggested the King should use his influence to lean on the Australian Government. “Perhaps King Charles can tell the Australian Government it needs to continue live export for Australian Merino producers to stay viable,” Darkan sheep farmer Karyn Buller wrote. A comment from another user stating “wool is the only thing worth saving” was swiftly shot down, with David Piesse responding: “I think that you have forgotten about the carcass that carries the fleece of wool around for the twelve months it takes to grow.” Another comment claiming the King had “never handled a sheep in his life” was also set straight, with Jane Deane responding that Charles “was often spotted around my in-laws’ village when he was younger, working with the animals, hedge laying, digging, ploughing, working on a neighbour’s farm”. “He ate in the farmhouse kitchen, stayed there, kept out of the public gaze,” Ms Deane wrote. “He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of farming, runs his own flock of Shetlands, and I know for a fact that there isn’t much you can tell him about sheep.” As patron, King Charles has visited the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa to engage with wool growers on how best to promote the fibre’s “distinct environmental and ecological benefits”. These include wool’s “natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties”. “The campaign fits perfectly with HM The King’s recently announced personal focus of climate, community, commonwealth and culture,” the original Facebook post reads. “Wool is more important today, moreover as climate change and plastic over-consumption hits the headlines on a weekly basis.” The Campaign for Wool organises educational activities and events to challenge the rise of toxic synthetic fibres in the worlds of fashion, interiors and the built environment. It has been supported by companies across the globe, including farmers, the wool processing pipeline, designers, brands and retailers.