Get ready for a royal adventure like no other! King Charles is teaming up with a TV legend for a one-off special that promises to be both eye-opening and heartwarming. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just any TV appearance—it’s a journey through time, climate, and the monarch’s lifelong passion for the environment. This Christmas, King Charles will join British naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall in a 90-minute ITV documentary that revisits the monarch’s groundbreaking trip to the Canadian Arctic in 1975—exactly 50 years later.
Back in 1975, then-Prince Charles, just 26 years old, embarked on a transformative journey that would shape his worldview. He braved the Arctic’s harsh conditions, participating in dog sledding and a daring half-hour dive under the Arctic ice at Resolute Bay with the Royal Canadian Navy. Clad in a red wetsuit and scuba gear, he later described the experience as 'splendid, but bloody cold!' But this is the part most people miss: during that trip, he also immersed himself in the culture of the local Inuit people, gaining profound insights into their deep connection with the environment. This experience ignited his lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and his belief in living harmoniously with nature.
Fast forward to today, and Steve Backshall will retrace the King’s steps, uncovering how much the Arctic has changed over the past five decades. And this is where it gets controversial: the Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world, and the documentary will explore the accelerating impact of climate change on this fragile ecosystem. Steve’s journey will not only highlight the stark differences between then and now but also serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action.
Steve Backshall shared his reflections on the experience: 'To see the Arctic through The King’s eyes—then and now—was both inspiring and sobering. Standing where The King once stood, diving beneath the same Arctic ice he explored half a century ago, was humbling beyond words. His Majesty was raising the alarm for the natural world long before most of us realized how urgent that call would become. His commitment to protecting our planet runs through every fiber of this story.'
Director Marshall Corwin added, 'It has been a real privilege—and eye-opener—seeing His Majesty the King as never before: his extreme spirit of adventure, his genuine passion for the planet, and his mischievous sense of humor.'
The documentary, Steve Backshall's Royal Arctic Challenge, will air as part of ITV’s Christmas schedule, offering viewers a unique blend of royal history, environmental advocacy, and adventure. But here’s the question that lingers: As we witness the Arctic’s rapid transformation, what lessons can we learn from King Charles’ early warnings? And more importantly, what actions will we take to preserve our planet for future generations? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think enough is being done to address climate change, or is it time for bolder measures?
