Get ready for a royal adventure like no other! King Charles III is teaming up with TV legend Steve Backshall for a groundbreaking documentary that promises to be both eye-opening and emotionally charged. This Christmas, ITV will air a 90-minute special where the King and the renowned naturalist explore the Arctic, retracing the monarch’s footsteps from his 1975 expedition—exactly 50 years later. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a stark look at how climate change has transformed one of the most fragile regions on Earth.
Back in 1975, then-Prince Charles, just 26 years old, embarked on a journey that would shape his lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. He braved the Arctic’s harsh conditions, participating in dog sledding and even donning a red wetsuit for a daring half-hour dive under the Arctic ice with the Royal Canadian Navy. His candid reflection on the experience? ‘Splendid, but bloody cold!’ During this formative 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 passion for protecting our planet and living in harmony with nature.
Fast forward to today, and Steve Backshall will follow in the King’s footsteps, uncovering just how much the Arctic has changed. And this is the part most people miss: the Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world, making it a critical battleground in the fight against climate change. Steve’s journey will highlight the accelerating impacts of global warming, offering a sobering comparison to the King’s original expedition.
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 he once stood, diving beneath the same ice he explored half a century ago, was humbling beyond words. His Majesty has been sounding the alarm for the natural world long before most of us realized how urgent that call would become. His dedication to our planet is woven into every moment of this story.’
Director Marshall Corwin added a behind-the-scenes perspective: ‘It’s been a real privilege—and eye-opener—to see His Majesty in a new light: his adventurous spirit, his genuine passion for the planet, and his mischievous sense of humor.’
But here’s the controversial question: As we witness the Arctic’s rapid decline, are we doing enough to heed the King’s decades-long warnings? Or have we fallen short in our collective responsibility to protect our planet? This documentary isn’t just a royal event—it’s a call to action. Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge will air as part of ITV’s Christmas schedule, and it’s sure to spark conversations long after the credits roll. What’s your take? Do you think we’re moving fast enough to combat climate change, or is it already too late? Let’s discuss in the comments!
