King Charles has been awarded a Blue Peter Green Badge in recognition of his long-standing environmental work and commitment to sustainability — marking a rare royal appearance linked to the iconic children’s television award scheme.

King Charles III was presented with the honour during a visit to Dumfries House, where he met students, educators, and community groups involved in environmental and sustainability programmes run through The King’s Foundation.

The award was given in recognition of his decades-long focus on environmental protection, sustainable farming, and education initiatives, as well as his continued efforts to reduce food waste through national projects.

Recognition for environmental leadership

The Blue Peter Green Badge is traditionally awarded to young people who show exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility. However, in a special presentation, the King was honoured for his personal contributions to sustainability and his influence on environmental education initiatives across the UK.

He was presented with the badge by Blue Peter presenter Joel Mawhinney and Liza Kengran, a sustainable food systems curriculum manager at the King’s Foundation.

Mawhinney praised the monarch’s long-standing dedication to environmental causes, highlighting his efforts to inspire younger generations.

“Since we’re here today by the beautiful time capsule,” he said, “and in recognition of all the amazing work you do to protect the planet and lead us to a more sustainable and healthy future, we would be honoured to give you your very own Green Blue Peter Badge.”

Focus on food waste and education

A key reason for the award was the King’s work on tackling food waste and promoting sustainability in communities across the UK.

In 2023, he helped launch the Coronation Food Project, an initiative designed to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise be discarded. The programme operates in cities including London, Birmingham, and Merseyside, working with charities and food organisations to support people in need.

During his visit, the King also spent time at the Pierburg Education Centre and Kauffman Education Garden, where he met primary school pupils taking part in hands-on learning activities.

Children were involved in planting, growing, and cooking exercises as part of the Foundation’s “Growing Together, Cooking Together” programme, which teaches young people about food production, nutrition, and sustainability from an early age.

Secondary school students from Auchenharvie Academy were also recognised during the visit for their efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices in their school community.

Time capsule honour

In a symbolic gesture during the event, another Blue Peter badge was placed into a time capsule located at Dumfries House.

The capsule is set to be opened in 100 years and was created to mark the 35th anniversary of the King’s Foundation. Organisers said the inclusion of the badge was intended to represent the ongoing legacy of environmental education and youth engagement.

The time capsule will eventually be buried on the grounds of Dumfries House, preserving artefacts and messages that reflect the Foundation’s work and values.

Previous Blue Peter recognition

This is not the first time King Charles has received recognition from the Blue Peter programme.

In 2023, he and Queen Camilla were awarded gold Blue Peter badges for their contributions to environmental causes and their support of youth development initiatives.

Queen Camilla was honoured for her work promoting literacy and reading, while the King was recognised for his environmental advocacy and long-term support of young people through initiatives such as The King’s Trust.

Meeting emergency services in Glasgow

Following the award ceremony, the King continued his visit by meeting emergency service workers who had responded to a major fire in Glasgow city centre.

He spoke with representatives from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, and British Transport Police, as well as officials from Network Rail and Glasgow City Council.

He personally thanked them for their efforts in managing the emergency and supporting public safety.

Support for rebuilding efforts

The King also discussed how education programmes linked to the King’s Foundation could contribute to rebuilding damaged structures following the fire.

Jacqueline Farrell, executive director for education at The King’s Foundation, said students studying traditional building crafts could help support restoration work.

She explained that the aim was to combine heritage skills with practical rebuilding projects, especially where traditional craftsmanship had been lost.

A long-standing environmental mission

King Charles has spent decades promoting environmental sustainability through projects focused on organic farming, conservation, and education.

Through Dumfries House and Highgrove, he has supported initiatives that encourage young people to engage with nature, food production, and traditional skills.

His supporters say his work has helped bring environmental issues into mainstream attention long before they became widely discussed in public policy.

A symbolic gesture

While the Blue Peter Green Badge is usually associated with children, the presentation to the King was intended as a symbolic recognition of his lifelong commitment to environmental causes.

As the badge was placed into the Foundation’s time capsule — to be opened in 100 years — the event highlighted themes of legacy, education, and long-term sustainability for future generations.