King Charles will appear in a special Christmas edition of BBC Radio 4’s This Natural Life to open up about his passion for the environment.
The episode will be hosted by Martha Kearney and will explore how nature has become an important part of the monarch’s life.
The festive edition will bring listeners to Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, the headquarters of The King’s Foundation charity, to discuss Charles’s love for nature and the environment.
Airing on December 23, the episode follows the pair as they walk through the estate’s arboretum, with Charles reflecting on how his love of the natural world began during his childhood.
King Charles will feature in an episode of This Natural Life this Christmas
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PA
It will discuss topics from the importance of teaching environmental skills to marine conservation, the art of topiary and the joy of a pair of secateurs.
Kearney said: “It was great to see the King so relaxed in a place which means so much to him and where he puts his philosophy of nature into practice.”
The episode will also include conversations between Kearney and young people, students and education staff who are involved in the outdoor programmes at the Dumfries House estate.
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of The King’s Foundation, said: “The King has had a profound impact on the Dumfries House estate since saving it for the nation in 2007.
“Thanks to him and the team at The King’s Foundation, it has become the thriving green space and education campus that it is today.
“We are delighted to share the story of Dumfries House in the King’s words with Radio 4 listeners this Christmas.”
The King has always loved nature
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PAHis Majesty will join a growing list of guests who have appeared on the show, with Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, scientists, nature writers, and comedians having chosen landscapes which mean something special to them and discussed their passion for nature.
This Natural Life will air on BBC Radio 4 on December 23 and will be repeated on Christmas Day.
The news comes just days after it was announced that Sir David Beckham will be supporting horticulturist and TV presenter Frances Tophill as she designs a space for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The former England star will be involved in the project as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which is working with the Royal Horticultural Society to create the garden.
The garden, named The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, aims to encourage visitors to discover the joy of getting into gardening and the vital contributions plants make to the health of people, places, and the planet.
Sir David revealed his love for gardening on social media, saying: “My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents.
“I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
“I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.”