At a Glance
- King Charles III partners with Amazon Prime for a climate documentary.
- The film, titled Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, premieres Feb. 6.
- It focuses on the king’s 16-year-old “harmony” philosophy linking climate, urban planning, and faith.
- Why it matters: It could reshape public perception of the monarchy amid recent health and family controversies.
The monarchy’s latest venture is not a routine press release but a bold attempt to use streaming power to spread a climate message. In a trailer, King Charles III urges viewers to adopt a concept of “harmony” that balances human activity with nature. The documentary, released on Amazon Prime Video on Feb. 6, brings together experts, a famed narrator, and the king’s own decades-long advocacy.
A New Documentary
Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision is a 90-minute film that opens with the king’s own voice, saying, “I think we need to follow harmony if we are going to ensure that this planet can support so many. It’s unlikely there’s anywhere else.” The film explores his 2010 book Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World and expands on the themes that have guided his public life.
Key Themes
- Climate change and its impact on soil, oceans, and food chains.
- Urban planning that respects natural cycles.
- Sustainable agriculture and traditional crafts.
- Interfaith dialogue as a means to foster cooperation.
The narrative is anchored by the king’s personal anecdotes and a call for collective action.
Experts and Narration
The documentary features insights from two leading environmental voices:
- Tony Juniper, former head of Friends of the Earth in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Emily Shuckburgh, a climate scientist from the University of Cambridge.
Juniper explains the “cycles and loops” of nature that still govern human society, emphasizing that “all of that is reversible, all of that fixable.” Shuckburgh, who co-authored a children’s book with the king, highlights the film’s hopeful tone.
Kate Winslet lends her voice as the film’s narrator, guiding viewers through the king’s vision and the experts’ commentary.
The King’s Long-Standing Commitment
The king’s environmental advocacy dates back to a 1970 speech on the subject while he was a student at Cambridge. In 1990 he founded Dumfries House, a 2,000-acre estate in southwestern Scotland, to promote sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and health. The estate operates as a living laboratory, offering courses that teach the principles of harmony and prepare students for work on farms, in hotels, restaurants, and construction sites.
The documentary also touches on the king’s recent health challenges. After a cancer diagnosis in early 2024, he stepped away from public duties for several months, sparking questions about his capacity to lead. The film’s release follows the removal of titles from his brother Andrew and the easing of tensions with Prince Harry.
Carving a Future
Among the students at Dumfries House is Jennie Regan, 45, who is training to be a stonemason after 15 years as a university administrator. Regan’s carving, titled “Have I not guided you well?”, will be installed in a wildlife hide on the estate. She says, “Things need to be sustainable. Building sites have so much waste.” Her work exemplifies how the king’s philosophy translates into tangible, lasting projects.
Why Now?
The timing of the film aligns with a broader strategy to reach new audiences through global streaming platforms. Prince William’s own foray into the space last year, via Apple TV’s The Reluctant Traveler, set a precedent. By presenting his climate message on Amazon Prime, the king aims to rebrand the monarchy after two years of distraction.
Ed Owens, author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?, notes that the film is a “very deliberate attempt to rebrand monarchy after a couple of very difficult years.” Owens points out that the king’s recent cancer treatment and the fallout from family scandals have shifted public focus.
Key Takeaways
| Milestone | Year |
|---|---|
| First environmental speech | 1970 |
| Dumfries House founded | 1990 |
| Harmony book published | 2010 |
| Cancer diagnosis | 2024 |
| Film release | 2024 |
The documentary offers a concise yet comprehensive look at how a centuries-old institution can engage with contemporary global challenges. By weaving together personal conviction, expert analysis, and practical demonstrations, King Charles III hopes to inspire a new generation to adopt a balanced relationship with the planet.
Final Thoughts
The film’s release is more than a marketing move; it is a statement that the monarchy can still play a role in shaping public discourse on climate and sustainability. Whether the documentary will shift public opinion remains to be seen, but it undeniably brings the king’s long-standing philosophy to a worldwide audience.
