The monarch is following in the steps of other royal family members and featuring in a unique festive show, all while highlighting an important cause
King Charles is set to feature in a unique Christmas programme to shine a light on a cause close to his heart. The monarch will appear on a special festive edition of BBC Radio 4’s This Natural Life to discuss his passion for the environment.
Hosted by Martha Kearney, the interview series explores how nature has become an important part of guests’ lives. The Christmas edition will bring listeners to Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, the headquarters of The King’s Foundation charity, to discuss Charles’s love and passion for nature, the environment and doing what we can to protect our world.
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The festive-themed episode will follow the King and Kearney as they walk through the estate’s arboretum, with Charles reflecting on how his love of the natural world began during his childhood, discussing topics from the importance of teaching rural skills to marine conservation, the art of topiary and the joy of a pair of secateurs.
Kearney said of the upcoming programme: “It was great to see the King so relaxed in a place which means so much to him and where he puts his philosophy of nature into practice.”
CEO of The King’s Foundation, Kristina Murrin CBE, added: “The King has had a profound impact on the Dumfries House estate since saving it for the nation in 2007. Thanks to him and the team at The King’s Foundation, it has become the thriving green space and education campus that it is today. We are delighted to share the story of Dumfries House in The King’s words with Radio 4 listeners this Christmas.”
The episode will also include conversations between Kearney and young people, students and education staff involved in outdoor programmes based at the Dumfries House estate.
The King joins a growing list of guests who have appeared on the series, with Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, scientists, nature writers and comedians each having chosen a landscape which means something special to them and discussed their passion for nature.
Charles’ festive episode of This Natural Life will air on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday December 23 at 12pm and will be repeated on Christmas Day.
The King isn’t the only member of the royal family getting in the Christmas spirit with a special event, with Princess Kate set to host her fifth annual Together at Christmas carol service just next week .
Hundreds of people, including several members of the royal family, will head to Westminster Abbey on Friday December 5 for the service, which has been spearheaded by the Princess of Wales with the support of The Royal Foundation.
This year, the festive service aims to bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – whether it’s love within families, through friendships, across communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers. The evening will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence, and joy in a world that can often feel disconnected, which Kate has been vocal about combatting.
Meghan Markle is also hosting a festive event, with the With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration airing on Netflix on December 3. The trailer for the programme shows the Duchess of Sussex talking about “embracing traditions” and “connecting with the people we love” over the holiday season.
