King Charles awarded special Blue Peter badge for his ‘amazing work’

The King was presented with a coveted green version of a Blue Peter badge in honour of his work protecting the environment during a special event at Dumfries House to mark Earth Day

The King is presented with a special Blue Peter Green badge by Blue Peter presenter Joel Mawhinney (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The King has been presented with a coveted Blue Peter ‘Green’ badge to honour his “amazing work” in protecting the environment.

Charles was given the honour by Blue Peter presenter Joel Mawhinney, during a special event on Earth Day at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, the headquarters of his King’s Foundation. The green version of the badge is given to those who have shown their commitment to looking after nature and the environment. Other famous recipients include Sir David Attenborough and the King’s own son, Prince William.

The monarch, who had previously been awarded a gold version of the award and wore it on his suit, then placed another Blue Peter badge into a time capsule, which is being buried to mark the 35th anniversary of the King’s Foundation.

 

The King with his green badge along with students from Auchenharvie Academy(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

It will remain buried in the estate for 100 years before being dug out by future generations. At Dumfries House’s Pierburg Education Centre and Kauffman Education Garden, the King met with primary school pupils taking part in the King’s Foundation Growing Together, Cooking Together programme, as well as pupils from Auchenharvie Academy in North Ayrshire, who were recognised for their efforts in promoting sustainability.

Blue Peter presenter Joel told the King: “Since we’re here today by the beautiful time capsule, and in recognition of all the amazing work you do to protect the planet and lead us to a more sustainable and healthy future, as well as your work inspiring the next generation of students and young people through The King’s Foundation, we would love and be honoured to give you your very own Green Blue Peter Badge.”

 

Charles chats to students recognised for their efforts in promoting sustainability(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

The King has been a long-standing supporter of reducing food waste, and his Coronation Food Project, which was established in 2023, redistributes surplus food to people in need in Merseyside, Birmingham, and London.

Earlier this year, he also appeared in an Amazon Prime documentary called Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, where he spoke about his lasting environmental legacy.

The film explained the King’s ambitions for sustainability and his philosophy of working with nature, not against it. In it, he said: “The underlying principles behind what I call harmony, I think, we need to follow if we are going to somehow ensure that this poor old planet can support so many. It’s unlikely there is anywhere else.”

Charles with staff from The King’s Foundation (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

The King and Queen previously received Gold Blue Peter Badges in Liverpool in 2023. The King was presented with the badge for his environmental work and support for young people provided through The King’s Trust.

Camilla was given the award for her work highlighting the importance of literacy and reading from a young age. Charles will also appear on a special episode of Blue Peter, which will be broadcast on CBBC on Friday, May 1.