Prince Charles says grandson focuses his attention

Prince Charles engages with Holland College students that are working on projects related to urban development and sustainability in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. AP

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island — Prince Charles says the need for change to ensure the well-being of the planet has come into sharper focus for him since he became a grandfather last year.

The Prince of Wales listed a number of challenges facing the world from the widening gap between rich and poor to inequality for women and young girls to climate change after he was honored Tuesday as part a four-day trip with his wife, Camilla, to Canada.

Known for being outspoken on social and environmental issues, Charles spoke about the “nexus of water, energy and food security” as the world’s population grows and “finding common purpose in meeting our common needs.”

“I have longed tried to draw attention to this connection but it has come into even sharper focus now that I am a grandfather,” he added.

“It is all our grandchildren who will have to live with the very serious consequences of us believing today that we can simply carry on with business as usual as if nothing has changed.”

Grandson Prince George, the son of Prince William and his wife Kate, was born last July.

The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall began the day at a youth parliament inside the province’s historic legislature.

Charles and Camilla arrived in Winnipeg Tuesday evening to grey skies, drizzle and cool temperatures.

Several dignitaries, including Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, were bundled up in jackets and raincoats as they waited to greet the royal couple and accompany them by motorcade to the lieutenant-governor’s residence for a reception.

On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla are to tour a Winnie the Pooh gallery at a local museum. Charles is to visit Assiniboine Park Zoo, where he is scheduled to feed a polar bear, while Camilla is to watch a demonstration of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet before the couple leaves Canada on Wednesday night.

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