The King will appear on the show days before Christmas.
The King will make a special appearance (Image: Getty)
The BBC has confirmed that King Charles will make a special appearance in the lead-up to Christmas. On Tuesday, December 23, BBC Radio 4 will air a unique edition of This Natural Life from Dumfries House in Ayrshire with the monarch making a guest appearance.
Presenter Martha Kearney visited the home, which is the headquarters of The King’s Foundation charity, on October 2 earlier this year and listened as the King shared his passion for nature and the environment. It is an especially poignant year for the Foundation as 2025 marks its 35th anniversary.
Elsewhere in the programme, listeners will hear Martha speak to young people, students and educational staff involved in outdoor programmes based at the Dumfries House estate.
The King will appear on the programme (Image: BBC)
Walking through the estate’s arboretum, the King reflects on how his love of the natural world began in childhood and discusses topics ranging from the importance of teaching rural skills to marine conservation, the art of topiary and the joy of using a pair of secateurs.
Speaking after they recorded the episode, Martha 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.”
CEO of The King’s Foundation, Kristina Murrin CBE, added: “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’s Foundation marked its 35th anniversary this year (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The news of the programme comes shortly after Amazon Prime confirmed that a documentary focusing on what the monarch has achieved with The King’s Foundation over the last 35 years will be released in early 2026.
Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, which will be narrated by Academy Award-winning actress and Ambassador of the King’s Foundation, Kate Winslet, will encourage viewers to protect the planet and create a more sustainable future for the next generation.
Ms Winslet said: “It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this film, which is a fascinating insight into The King’s work as an environmentalist.”
She went on: “I share His Majesty’s passion for protecting our planet and building sustainable communities, so it’s been really rewarding to work with The King’s Foundation on this exciting project. I know audiences will learn, laugh and feel inspired by what’s featured in the film, and I hope the impact of Harmony will be felt in years to come.”
