King Charles III has been awarded a Green Blue Peter badge in recognition of his lifelong commitment to protecting nature and promoting a more sustainable future on Earth Day 2026.
The presentation of the coveted badge took place at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, filmed for a special edition of the iconic BBC programme.
Presented by Blue Peter presenter Joel Mawhinney, the Green badge acknowledges the King’s “leadership on environmental issues and his work through The King’s Foundation, which champions sustainable communities, environmental education, traditional skills and working in harmony with nature”.
During the visit, His Majesty yet young Green badge holders who were taking part in The King’s Foundation’s Growing Together, Cooking Together and Food for the Future education programmes, where he heard about their innovative ideas to help reduce food waste and protect the planet. Several of the children’s designs and inventions will be sealed inside the Foundation’s time capsule, to be opened in 100 years’ time.
The Blue Peter Green badge is awarded to children and individuals who show their commitment to caring for nature and the environment.
The special episode of Blue Peter will be broadcast on CBBC on Friday 1 May at 5pm and will be made available on BBC iPlayer the same day. It will also feature Steve Backshall from CBBC’s Deadly 60 series, Abby discovering deadly fungus and plants at Kew Gardens, and Outside In: Nature Poems by Daniel Thompson being reviewed in the Blue Peter Book Club.
Sarah Muller, head of commissioning 7+, said: “Blue Peter has always been about inspiring children to get involved and to believe that they can make a difference to the world. Awarding His Majesty a Green Blue Peter badge on Earth Day is a powerful reflection of that mission. His Majesty’s lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world, and the work of his charity The King’s Foundation in empowering young people to live more sustainably, perfectly embodies the values Blue Peter has championed for generations.”
Jacqueline Farrell, executive director for education at The King’s Foundation, commented: “It has been wonderful to see our students receive their Blue Peter Green Badges today on the Dumfries House estate – and how special for them to receive them alongside The King! The Food for the Future programme has been running for over five years, helping students to build their confidence so they can play an active role in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability within their communities.
“After taking part in our programme, 100% of students stated that they feel more aware of food waste and its effects on the planet and what they can do as a result, which so heartening for The King’s Foundation education team. We are grateful to Blue Peter for this very special opportunity.”
The special episode of Blue Peter will be broadcast on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Friday 1 May at 5pm.
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
