King Charles' Environmental Crusade Examined in New Documentary
A new documentary titled Finding Harmony: A King's Vision provides an in-depth exploration of King Charles' lifelong commitment to environmental causes. The film, narrated by Oscar-winning actor Kate Winslet, traces the monarch's journey from being mocked by tabloids to becoming a respected voice in global sustainability discussions.
From Mockery to Vindication
The documentary positions Charles as a misunderstood prophet whose environmental warnings have been vindicated by history. At just 21 years old, he was already warning about pollution's "cancerous forms" when few public figures discussed such issues. Throughout the 1980s, when he embraced organic farming at Highgrove, the criticism was particularly fierce.
Media outlets mocked his approach relentlessly:
- The Sun labeled him "A-loon with his worms"
- The Times dismissed organic farming as "some kind of drop-out for hippies"
- Even The Archers piled on in 1985, with characters scoffing at his methods
The film highlights a particularly memorable moment from a 1986 ITV interview where Charles admitted he liked to "talk to the plants." This comment led the Irish Independent to declare he was "going completely off his trolley." The documentary uses these historical clips to reinforce its central narrative that Charles was right all along about environmental concerns.
Personal Reflections and Environmental Philosophy
Where the documentary proves most effective is in its quieter, more personal moments. Charles reflects on changes at Highgrove over 45 years, noting the disappearance of cuckoos and grasshoppers. "You never hear them now," he observes with evident sadness, "and there used to be grasshoppers and the place used to hum with that wonderful sound."
When asked about his concerns for the world's future, Charles responds with pained resignation: "Of course. It's been my main motivation for a long, long time." Later, he adds with characteristic humility: "I can only do what I can do, which isn't very much."
The film captures intimate moments of the King tending to his chickens at what he calls "Cluckingham Palace," collecting eggs while the birds strut around him. These scenes humanize the monarch while reinforcing his hands-on approach to sustainable living.
The Harmony Philosophy in Practice
The documentary explores Charles' concept of "harmony" as a guiding philosophy, though this aspect receives such thorough emphasis that it occasionally feels repetitive. The film presents harmony as an innate interconnectedness binding all things together, supported by what Winslet describes as "sacred geometry or the grammar of harmony."
The documentary showcases practical applications of this philosophy:
- At Dumfries House in southwest Scotland, the King's Foundation now trains 10,000 people annually in traditional skills and sustainable living
- In Afghanistan, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation continues operating despite the Taliban's return, providing essential services and clearing rubble
- At Poundbury, Charles' housing development demonstrates his architectural principles with mixed housing and green spaces within walking distance
"I tried to demonstrate how harmony in practice could be made to work rather than just talk about all these things," Charles explains in the film. "To see: is there something here to learn from?"
Timely Message Amid Climate Skepticism
The documentary arrives at a crucial moment when climate change skepticism remains prevalent in some political circles. With figures like Donald Trump dismissing climate change as a "con job," Charles' straightforward environmental advocacy carries particular significance.
"People just don't understand that it's not just climate change but it's also biodiversity loss," Charles states in the film. "We're actually destroying our means of survival all the time." He adds with hopeful resignation: "Maybe by the time I shuffle off this mortal coil, there might be a little more awareness."
While the documentary occasionally veers toward hagiography with its enthusiastic talking heads and could benefit from tighter editing, it ultimately serves as a powerful call to environmental action. The King's personal involvement and decades-long commitment lend the film considerable authority, ensuring its message will reach a wide audience through Amazon's streaming platform.
