Prince Charles Throws a Party
When one comes from royal stock, it seems that one would want for practically nothing. But for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, there is one thing he longs for that he does not have: a better planet.
The Prince of Wales is, as some may know and some may not, a longtime environmentalist. He has championed many causes over the years, from rainforest protection to fair farming to social justice and ethical business practices. And the prince is now channeling his energy into a new cause that took off in London yesterday: The “Garden Party to Make a Difference” will take place at the Friary Court of St. James’ Palace, London, and will last until Sept. 19. The party is produced by Start, a national initiative of The Prince’s Charities Foundation to promote and celebrate sustainable living. Their goal: to help people in their home country to take clear, positive and practical steps toward a better future. Outlined in an essay in the September issue of Vogue, the prince expresses concern for the earth and over the amount of waste we are polluting our environment with: “It is clear that on every front, mankind is overexploiting nature; the more we waste, the more we have to use our irreplaceable natural resources and prejudice the lives of our grandchildren. This can be seen in the depletion of our ocean’s fish stocks, not to mention the destruction of the world’s rainforests.” The prince goes on to claim that environmental catastrophe is not far off if we don’t change our ways.
Not only is he alarmed, he is lucky enough to be able to use the power of his prestige and position to make sweeping change. The party will be 12 days of fashion, food, gardening, home, debating, and comedy; a bit of everything—from the conventional to the customarily over-the-top British. The shindig will all take place at the storied estates of Clarence House, Lancaster House and Marlborough House, whose gardens will be opened up for the public (something that’s not customary—ever). Among the planned activities are a people-powered dance floor, a children’s ark, the prince’s vegetable patch, an eco-car display, cookery demonstrations, show gardens, musicians, debates and readings, a farmers market and upcycled (or recycled) fashion workshops, with some of Britain’s most famous faces—such as Dame Vivienne Westwood and chef Kate Humble —acting as curators.
Decency, balance, and respect for one another and our environment—these are the results the prince hopes for. Sounds like a plan.
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