The King joins podcast, 'Unearthed: The need for seeds'

Published

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Gardens, The King has recorded a special podcast episode with Cate Blanchett, Ambassador for Wakehurst and Dr Elinor Breman, Senior Research Leader.

The King laughs during recording of the Millennium Seed Bank podcast

The podcast, “Unearthed: The need for seeds” marks 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank (MSB), the world’s largest underground seed bank and conservation resource for diverse wild plant species. Many of the tiny seeds held there hold solutions to climate change and habitat loss that are vital for the future of our planet.

The King smiles during the recording of the Millennium Seed Bank podcast

Created in 2000, the MSB is now home to over 2.5 billion seeds ensuring they are safeguarded against extinction. 

His Majesty has been Patron of Kew since 2016, and for more than five decades, has used his unique position to champion action for a sustainable future. 

In the podcast, they discuss the MSB and its origins, some of the most exciting achievements in the past 25 years as well as ongoing work around the world today, including in Australia and South Africa. Together they reminisced about the origins of seed science, and The King demonstrated his knowledge of the science and practice of conservation techniques.

The King opens the Millennium Seed Bank, 2000
The King, as Prince of Wales, opens the Millennium Seed Bank, 2000.

His Majesty officially opened the Millennium Seed Bank, located at Kew’s wild botanic garden in Wakehurst, Sussex, in 2000.

The King tours the Millennium Seed Bank, 2019
The King, as Prince of Wales, visits the Millennium Seed Bank, 2019.

The King has taken an active interest in its progress since the Seed Bank was opened, returning to visit in 2019. 

'Unearthed: The need for seeds' is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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