Kampala celebrates King Charles with tribute to his environmental work: 'A champion of our planet'

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 12/01/2026

- 22:36

The reception coincided with this year's Climate COP

The British High Commission in Uganda hosted a reception marking King Charles III's 77th birthday at the residence of High Commissioner Lisa Chesney MBE.

The gathering drew together Ugandan government ministers, senior officials, diplomatic representatives, business figures, civil society members and supporters of the UK.


Beyond celebrating the monarch's milestone, the occasion served to highlight the strengthening relationship between Britain and Uganda.

The event placed particular emphasis on the two nations' collaborative efforts regarding climate action and environmental stewardship, themes that have long been championed by the King throughout his public life.

King Charles

King Charles was honoured with a tribute from the British High Commission in Uganda

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During her address, the High Commissioner honoured the King's decades of dedication to public duty and his prominent role as an international champion for environmental causes.

"His Majesty King Charles III has long championed the protection of our planet, earning recognition for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action," Lisa Chesney stated.

She added: "As we celebrate his 77th birthday, we also celebrate a shared vision with Uganda of a greener, more sustainable future for all."

The tribute underscored how the monarch's environmental advocacy aligns with the partnership goals both countries are pursuing together.

Wildlife and nature formed the central theme of this year's celebration, reflecting the close cooperation between Britain and Uganda on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Attendees were treated to a specially selected display of images from the Natural History Museum's acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

King Charles

King Charles has been well known for his environmental efforts

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Photographs highlighting Uganda's exceptional biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems accompanied the exhibition.

The display formed part of broader initiatives aimed at raising public consciousness about safeguarding the natural world for coming generations.

Uganda's remarkable wildlife heritage provided a fitting backdrop for an event celebrating a monarch renowned for his environmental advocacy.

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The reception coincided with this year's Climate COP, providing an opportunity to consider collective responsibility for tackling climate change and the vital role nature plays in adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.

Nearly ten years on from the Paris Agreement, Britain remains firmly committed to addressing the climate crisis, viewing it as both a moral obligation and essential for global prosperity, security and wellbeing.

Sir Keir Starmer

Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer backed King Charles effort as the UK look to be carbon neutral by 2050

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The UK's legally-binding Net Zero strategy targets carbon neutrality by 2050, with British businesses involved in the green transition potentially generating goods and services worth £1trillion by 2030.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked at COP30: "You don't protect jobs and communities by sticking with the status quo. You don't meet a challenge like climate change by standing still you do it by embracing change, embracing the opportunities and doing it together."