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 emotionally charged. This Christmas, the monarch will join forces with British naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall in a groundbreaking 90-minute ITV documentary. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: they’ll be revisiting the King’s 1975 journey to the Canadian Arctic, exactly 50 years later, to explore the devastating impact of climate change. And this is the part most people miss—this trip wasn’t just a royal excursion; it was a pivotal moment that shaped King Charles’ lifelong dedication to environmental conservation.
Back in 1975, then-Prince Charles, just 26 years old, embarked on a transformative adventure. He braved the Arctic’s harsh conditions, participating in dog sledding and even 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 what’s truly remarkable is how this journey ignited his passion for the environment and his belief in living harmoniously with nature. During his time there, he also immersed himself in the culture of the local Inuit people, gaining profound insights into their deep connection with the land and sea.
Fast forward to today, and Steve Backshall will retrace the King’s steps to uncover just how much the Arctic has changed. The region is warming at an alarming rate—three times faster than the rest of the planet—and this documentary will shed light on the accelerating effects of climate change. But here’s the controversial part: while King Charles has been sounding the alarm on environmental issues for decades, many argue that global action has been too slow. Is it too late to reverse the damage? Or can we still make a difference?
Steve Backshall shared his thoughts 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 fibre 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 humour.'
The documentary, Steve Backshall's Royal Arctic Challenge, will air as part of ITV’s Christmas lineup. But before you tune in, we want to hear from you: Do you think King Charles’ early warnings about climate change were ignored for too long? And what role do you believe the monarchy should play in global environmental advocacy? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
