King Charles rubbed shoulders with various celebrities tonight as he hosted a poignant reception at Buckingham Palace for a climate charity. The King looked dapper in a navy suit as he welcomed campaigners from WaterAid, including retired Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds, Malawian politician Abida Sidik Mia, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, fitness coach Joe Wicks and television presenter Vick Hope.
Charles, who has been campaigning about climate change throughout most of his life, appeared to be in high spirits as he chatted to his guests and posed for pictures. The monarch was WaterAid’s president from 1991 until 2024, when he announced his patronage of the charity. WaterAid promotes climate change through water. It works alongside communities in 22 countries to secure decent toilets, good hygiene and a reliable supply of clean water to transform people’s lives.
Since 1981, WaterAid UK and its Country Programmes have reached 29 million people with clean water and 29 million people with decent toilets.
During tonight’s reception, the King experienced the charity’s immersive installation, which brings to life the connection between global water issues and climate change.
He was joined by Elizabeth Wathuti, a young Kenyan climate and environmental activist.
Charles also heard from the campaigners the outcome of their recent roundtables on possible solutions to focus attention and take action on climate change.
It has been a busy week for the monarch, who yesterday met Canadian officials at the Palace to topics of great concern to all parties, both nationally and internationally.
Charles, who is King of Canada, held a private audience with Gregory Peters, who is Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, and Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagne on Wednesday afternoon.
The King, who is fluent in French, is said to have delivered a warm exchange of greetings in French and English.
Wednesday’s audience was held to present Mr Peters with a new ceremonial sword commissioned by the Senate in the King’s honour to mark the change of reign.
Charles is said to have shared his personal thanks for what was described as such a thoughtful gesture as he bestowed the sword on Mr Peters.