King Charles has assured a Brazilian indigenous leader “we’re doing our best” during an environmental gathering at St James's Palace on Wednesday evening.
The monarch told 93-year-old spoke to Chief Raoni Metuktire after the Kayapo leader expressed appreciation for royal efforts to highlight Amazon deforestation.
The encounter occurred at a reception for the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, where scientific experts, corporate representatives and indigenous leaders convened.
Mr Metuktire, speaking through an interpreter in his native tongue, told the 76-year-old King he had anticipated this meeting for a considerable time.
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The chief touched Charles whilst conveying thanks for drawing attention to environmental challenges facing indigenous communities and the Amazon rainforest.
Charles responded with a pat on Metuktire's shoulder during their exchange.
The exchange marked their third documented meeting, having previously encountered each other during the 1980s and subsequently in 2009.
Human rights advocate and former actress Bianca Jagger also engaged briefly with the King during the event.
King Charles assures Chief Raoni Metuktire, a Brazilian indigenous leader, that ‘we’re doing our best’ regarding deforestation
|PA
The King later examined historical artefacts including ornamental pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries, alongside 18th-century volumes documenting the natural world.
Wednesday’s gathering formed part of a full day of discussions at St James's Palace, where participants explored connections between nature and human health through the alliance's initiatives.
The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance represents an initiative Charles established whilst Prince of Wales in 2020, focusing on positioning nature at the heart of economic strategies.
The organisation develops networks and programmes aimed at transforming approaches to land use, food systems, health and commercial operations.
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The King and Mr Metuktire have met twice previously
|PA
Through pilot schemes known as Living Labs, the alliance demonstrates practical applications of nature-centred methodologies, combining contemporary scientific findings with traditional indigenous wisdom.
These projects illustrate tangible advantages for communities and ecosystems worldwide.
Wednesday's programme emphasised examining links between environmental systems and human wellbeing, with attendees sharing insights from their collaborative work throughout the day.
The King's environmental advocacy spans over five decades, with his work helping to shape international understanding of sustainability issues. His previous initiatives include the Sustainable Markets Initiative and The Royal Countryside Fund.
Charles has addressed major environmental summits including COP21 in Paris, COP26 in Glasgow and COP28 in Dubai.
His speeches have consistently emphasised humanity's obligation to foster secure and thriving environments whilst advocating for innovative approaches that collaborate with natural systems rather than opposing them.
Last week, Charles united with Prince William as they led a gathering of changemakers at the Natural History Museum.
The gathering brings together climate ambassadors from across the world, including a Brazilian delegation representing the host nation for this year's COP30 summit.
The King and Prince William led a gathering last week ahead of the COP30 summit
|PA
Charles has addressed major environmental summits including COP21 in Paris, COP26 in Glasgow and COP28 in Dubai.
His speeches have consistently emphasised humanity's obligation to foster secure and thriving environments whilst advocating for innovative approaches that collaborate with natural systems rather than opposing them.
Last week, Charles united with Prince William as they led a gathering of changemakers at the Natural History Museum.
The gathering brings together climate ambassadors from across the world, including a Brazilian delegation representing the host nation for this year's COP30 summit.