Monarch delights guests during climate-focused reception at Lancaster House
In a scene that blended royal formality with theatrical flair, King Charles shared a light-hearted yet symbolic moment at Lancaster House as he shook hands with a life-sized gorilla puppet—captivating guests and underscoring his lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.
The unexpected interaction took place during a high-level reception attended by business leaders, environmental NGOs, government officials, and indigenous representatives. The event, held in the Grand Hall of Lancaster House—a familiar setting for fans of The Crown—aimed to promote the integration of nature into corporate strategies and sustainability efforts.
The surreal highlight came courtesy of The Herds, a puppet collective that uses large-scale animal puppets to bring climate messages to life. As the gorilla puppet—operated by two performers—approached the monarch, guests looked on in fascination. King Charles responded with a warm smile and extended his hand, clasping the puppet’s wooden fingers in a gesture that drew smiles and applause.
The King later engaged with attendees on their ongoing environmental work, reaffirming a passion he has championed for over five decades. Notably, Charles gave his first environmental speech in 1970, warning about plastic pollution long before it became a global concern.
Since then, he has addressed world leaders at major climate summits, including COP21 in Paris, COP26 in Glasgow, and COP28 in Dubai—cementing his reputation as one of the most steadfast royal advocates for the planet.
The gorilla handshake may have been playful, but the message was serious: nature, performance, and policy can unite in powerful ways to inspire action and awareness in the face of climate change.
