The Coronation of Charles III as King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms will take place next month on Saturday, 6 May at Westminster Abbey.
While many of us have been watching Charles’ family dramas play out in The Crown – and the tabloids – in anticipation of his reign, there are some who may not know much else about our new King – what better place then, than in our Best of British Edition, to reflect on some of the important work Charles has done throughout his life.
Famously unafraid to share his views, our new King has been outspoken on a whole range of sensitive issues from genetically modified crops to homeopathic medicines and architecture – but perhaps most widely recognised is his passion for environmentalism. In 1968, seven years before the phrase ‘global warming’ was even coined, the then Prince of Wales delivered his first speech on the subject. More recently, In 2021 when the UK hosted COP26, Charles cautioned us in his opening speech that time had “quite literally run out”.
As well as this important campaigning, Charles III is patron of over 420 charities and started The Prince's Trust (TPT) back in 1976. Since its inception it has helped over 1,000,000 disadvantaged young people. It supports 11-to-30-year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school, many of whom face issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, or trouble with the law. TPT runs a range of training programmes, providing practical and financial support to build young people's confidence and motivation.
You may also have heard of Duchy Organics, the company which Charles as Prince of Wales set up in 1990, principally to sell organic food products. Since then, it has become established as a leading organic and natural food brand, and in 2010 went into partnership with Waitrose. From the start, it has aimed to help small and medium sized producers, and all profits have gone to charitable causes.
Whatever your view of the Royal family, it is reassuring to know that our new King has and will continue to hold these things at high importance. If you’re celebrating the Coronation, keep an eye on our What’s On section to find some great events near you.
