King Charles Secretly Recorded a Podcast Interview with Cate Blanchett — Find Out Why.HL

In an inspiring new podcast episode, King Charles and Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett came together for a compelling conversation on the crucial role of the Millennium Seed Bank in preserving global biodiversity. Recorded in July 2025 at Windsor Castle, the 22-minute podcast, titled Unearthed, is a thoughtful reflection on the importance of conservation in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.

The Millennium Seed Bank, housed at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, serves as a global lifeline to nature’s most precious resources. Established 25 years ago, its mission is to protect seeds from extinction, storing them safely to ensure the survival of plant species that may otherwise be lost due to environmental pressures. As the world faces the threat of biodiversity loss, this seed bank is more vital than ever in safeguarding the future of our planet.

For King Charles, this podcast marks his second public appearance in a podcast this year, following his Apple Music special where he shared some of his favorite songs. As a long-time advocate for environmental issues, this conversation was a natural extension of his deep commitment to preserving nature’s wonders. For Blanchett, the discussion represents a new avenue of involvement with the British royal family, adding another layer to her ongoing commitment to environmental causes. Blanchett, who has long been an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, Prince William’s prestigious environmental award, now joins forces with King Charles in championing the cause of biodiversity.

King Charles taking part in the podcast at Windsor Castle in July, 2025.

The podcast was recorded in a sun-dappled corner of Windsor Castle, a fitting backdrop for a conversation about nature’s fragility. Alongside Blanchett was Dr. Elinor Breman, a senior research leader at Wakehurst, the site of the seed bank in Sussex. Blanchett’s poignant introduction set the tone for the discussion: “The future of life on Earth may very well depend on the seeds stored within this bank.”

Blanchett went on to describe her shock upon learning that 97% of wildflower meadows have already been decimated. This statistic highlights the often-overlooked vulnerability of our natural landscape. “We look around and see so much natural beauty, but we don’t always think about how fragile it is,” Blanchett said, underscoring the urgency of protecting what remains. The conversation quickly turned to the Coronation Meadows initiative, which King Charles launched to honor the legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This program was created as part of an effort to revive and protect flower-rich meadows that have been severely impacted by agriculture and urbanization.

In the podcast, King Charles reflected on the devastation of these meadows, which were once a common sight across the British countryside. “What you can destroy in one day by ploughing it up takes practically a hundred years to replace,” he remarked, his voice heavy with the weight of this irreversible loss. He went on to emphasize the delicate balance required to restore biodiversity, noting that ongoing management is essential for creating the diverse landscapes that were once commonplace.

The discussion expanded to include the protection of meadows in Transylvania, Romania, where King Charles regularly travels to witness firsthand the remarkable preservation efforts in place. In these untouched areas, he finds fields that still boast incredible biodiversity, including rare species like orchids. These meadows, he explained, offer a snapshot of what our landscapes looked like centuries ago, and preserving them is crucial for understanding the world’s ecological history.

As the conversation unfolded, the topic shifted to the intersection of conservation and the pharmaceutical industry. King Charles suggested that the sector has a significant role to play in preserving plant biodiversity, particularly since so many medicines and treatments are derived from botanical sources. “It’s surely in their interest to invest in the protection and restoration of this biodiversity,” he said, advocating for greater investment in conservation from industries that rely on plants for their products.

Blanchett echoed King Charles’s sentiments, aligning her frustrations with the systemic issues surrounding environmental preservation. “There are so many extraordinary initiatives ready to be scaled up,” she lamented, “but there’s simply not enough direction in how funds are distributed.” She pointed out that while there is no shortage of good ideas, the lack of funding and infrastructure hinders these efforts from making a meaningful impact.

For both the King and Blanchett, the conversation was a reminder of the importance of educating the public and raising awareness about the environmental challenges we face. It was clear that their shared passion for protecting the planet’s biodiversity is rooted in a belief that the solutions are already within reach. However, these solutions need the financial support and public backing to be realized.

As the episode came to a close, listeners were left with a sense of urgency, but also hope. The conversation highlighted not only the fragility of our natural world but also the dedication of individuals like King Charles and Cate Blanchett who are working tirelessly to make a difference. Their commitment serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in preserving the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.

This podcast serves as an important call to action, reminding us that even in a time of global uncertainty, the preservation of nature remains an achievable goal. It is a call for greater investment, increased awareness, and collaborative efforts across sectors to protect the world’s biodiversity for generations to come. The conversation between King Charles and Cate Blanchett will undoubtedly inspire listeners to consider their own responsibility in preserving the planet, proving that when we come together, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.