King Charles III has sent a heartfelt message to British Antarctic Survey personnel as part of the BBC World Service’s 70th anniversary Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast.
The message comes on the eve of Prince William’s 43rd birthday, who likely spent the day privately with Princess Kate and their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
The special programme aired this evening at 7.30pm, reaching scientists and support staff stationed at remote research facilities across the frozen continent.
The King expressed his “warmest good wishes” and “greatest admiration” for the teams working at BAS stations Rothera, Bird Island, and South Georgia.
King Charles delivers heartfelt message after Prince William celebrates birthday.
Getty / Antarctic Midwinter
His message acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by personnel on the darkest day of the Antarctic winter.
“The scientific research that the British Antarctic Survey undertakes, alongside teams from across the world, is today more vital than ever,” the King stated in his recorded message.
The Antarctic midwinter marks a period of complete darkness, extreme cold and months of isolation for research personnel. Today, June 21, staff at the British stations joined colleagues at international bases across Antarctica in celebrating this unique occasion.
“With the sun shying away from your horizon today, I particularly wanted to send my warmest good wishes to all of those serving at British Antarctic research stations this Midwinter’s Day,” the King said in his message.
King Charles recorded a special message for the BBC World Service’s annual Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast.
Antarctic Midwinter
His Majesty praised the “resilience and commitment to duty” demonstrated by the teams, noting how they “embody the pioneering spirit that has characterised British polar exploration for generations.”
The King emphasised how Antarctic research contributes to understanding Earth’s fragile systems and humanity’s impact on the planet.
“Each observation, measurement and calculation you undertake adds to the world’s understanding of the Earth’s fragile systems and the role humanity plays, as we struggle to live in harmony with nature,” he said.
His Majesty described the BAS research as telling “stories of the past, the present and possible futures.” On this significant anniversary, he sent “countless special thoughts” for the midwinter celebrations.
Antarctica is home to more than 100 volcanoes.
Flickr
The 2024 winter maximum for Antarctic sea ice was recorded as the second lowest in history.Getty
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English, highlighted the broadcast’s role in connecting people globally.
“The annual Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast is always a poignant moment on the BBC World Service as family and friends record moving messages for loved ones stationed so far away,” Zilkha said.
“This year we’re proud to celebrate the 70th anniversary with an extra special tribute from The King.”
The programme featured music requests and personal messages from home alongside the royal address. Beyond the broadcast, personnel marked the occasion with traditional festivities including feasting and exchanging presents.
In keeping with Antarctic midwinter tradition, staff also gathered to watch the 1982 science fiction film The Thing, set in the Antarctic.
