The King's Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast Message

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 and, above all, to express the greatest admiration for the critically important work you do. 

The scientific research that the British Antarctic Survey undertakes, alongside teams from across the world, is today more vital than ever, telling us stories of the past, the present and possible futures.  Because of your innovation and research with deeper and deeper ice cores, we know the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere back into deep history – more than two million years into the past.  

We also know the frightening reality that today’s atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide are higher than at any point during that time.  Your science is highlighting some of the deeply concerning impacts of those greenhouse gases, such as the dramatic decline in Antarctic sea ice.  And your work investigating the remote Thwaites Glacier is warning of the very real possibility of loss of the vast West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and resultant sea-level rise, which poses perilous risks to cities and communities all over the world.  

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.

I very much appreciate the resilience and commitment to duty you all demonstrate so effectively, and which embody the pioneering spirit that has characterized British polar exploration for generations.  

On the 70th anniversary of this midwinter broadcast, I send countless special thoughts for your celebrations today.  

While you may be on the far side of the world, working on these incredibly challenging issues, I am sure you will be aware that you are never far from the thoughts of your friends, families and supporters back at home, whom I join in wishing you a most joyful day of good cheer amidst the icy darkness.