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The Independent
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
King's ‘incredible sense of curiosity' praised during visit to soil exhibition
The curators of an exhibition celebrating the power and potential of soil have praised the King's 'incredible sense of curiosity' during his visit to a central London museum. Charles met farmers and artists as he toured the Soil: The World at Our Feet exhibition at Somerset House on Wednesday. He was also joined by families and representatives from The Royal Countryside Fund, a charity aimed at helping farms to be more sustainable, set up by him as the prince of Wales in 2010. Bridget Elworthy, curator of the exhibition, said: 'For a long time he's been our number one soil hero, so to have him come in to celebrate this exhibition has been so exciting. 'The whole point of this exhibition was to get the wonder of soil out to as many people as possible, so having someone like the King come has been a huge thrill.' She added: 'I'm sure he's engaged in so many things because he has such an incredible sense of curiosity and he's so polite. But I feel like he was definitely really interested.' Co-curator Henrietta Courtauld added: 'He has such an interest and understands the importance of nature and working with nature and that's so close to our hearts and values as well. 'There's an area in the exhibition where you can actually smell the soil and he would smell that himself when he's out in the garden and how that makes you feel so good.' Charles also unveiled a plaque in the newly refurbished Salt Stair to mark the visit and the 25th anniversary of Somerset House. As he unveiled the plaque he remarked, 'that's an interesting way of doing it', referring to the cover of the plaque which he was required to pull off. Speaking to farming families, he asked what type of farming they undertook, their ambitions for the future and how they had heard about the Royal Countryside Fund. Moving around the various displays, the King was particularly interested in Jo Pearl's Unearthed Mycelium ceramic, asking how she made the piece and what it was made out of. He joked: 'So how many went wrong before you got it right?' She assured him only once. Speaking to various artists, Charles told the director of the exhibition: 'It's remarkable how you have done it all.' Charles also met Helen Browning, farmer and chief executive of the Soil Association, who he hugged fondly. Leaving Somerset House, Charles joked 'you have to be very fit' after climbing the stairs. He was then met with crowds cheering and clapping outside the building. One person was heard to shout: 'We love you.' He was waved off by the cheering crowd.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farming team heads to Buckingham Palace to meet the King
HEREFORDSHIRE farming supporters gained royal recognition for their work with a prestigious reception at Buckingham Palace. Herefordshire Rural Hub was among those heading to the palace on March 17 fo the reception hosted by the Royal Countryside Fund at Buckingham Palace, after an invitation from their founding patron, the King. This special event honoured the Royal Countryside Fund and the organisations they support through their farm support group initiative, bringing together key rural support organisations from across the UK to recognise and celebrate their invaluable contributions to farming and countryside communities during these particularly challenging times. The reception highlighted the critical work being done to support farming families when so many are facing unprecedented financial and environmental challenges. The Royal Countryside Fund, established to champion the countryside and those who live and work in it, continues to provide vital grants and initiatives that empower rural businesses and communities. A Herefordshire Rural Hub spokesperson said they have been at the forefront of offering guidance, training, and support to farmers and landowners navigating an increasingly complex agricultural landscape. Their participation in this high-profile gathering underscores the importance of grassroots organisations in shaping a thriving and sustainable future for rural Britain. ALSO READ: 'The proof is in the pudding': landlord gives update after 'no shows' Cross words after motion backing Herefordshire farmers fails Brexit blamed for rethink of farmers' homes plan at village pub Kate Speke-Adams from Herefordshire Rural Hub, said: 'It was an incredible honour to attend this reception and have the opportunity to discuss the work we do in for the farming community with His Majesty alongside other leading figures in rural support. "Events like these reinforce the importance of our work with farming families to ensure they have the support they need to flourish. We were delighted to be able to present to the Royal Household gifts of apple juice and perry from local farm businesses that we have been able to support as a result of our partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund – what an opportunity to highlight the incredible produce of our county!" The hub said the evening was a remarkable occasion to celebrate the resilience, passion, and dedication of those who work tirelessly to safeguard the future of the countryside. Herefordshire Rural Hub remains committed to continuing its essential support for farmers and rural businesses, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to navigate the road ahead.
