King Charlesis paying tribute to a momentous event that took place 70 years ago — right before his motherQueen Elizabeth’s coronation.
Queen Elizabeth’s coronationtook place on June 2, 1953, and the King noted, “It has not escaped my notice that there is a wonderful symmetry in the coinciding of the 70th anniversary of that achievement with my own Coronation,” whichtook place on May 6.
To mark the anniversary, the King welcomed the children of the three men who made the first-ever successful climb to Mount Everest’s peak to Buckingham Palace: Ms. Sue Leyden (daughter of Lord Hunt), Mr. Peter Hillary (son of Sir Edmund Hillary) and Mr. Jamling Norgay (son of Mr. Tenzing Norgay).
He also discussed how Lord Hunt helped Charles' father, Prince Philip, createThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,a significant social program in the U.K. that fosters young peoples' adventuring spirit and resourcefulness.
Part of the team to climb Mount Everest.Getty
Getty
“The bond between my family and the legacy that resulted from that historic moment was further strengthened throughThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, which Lord Hunt helped my father to create and which has since offered millions of young people opportunities to explore their own strengths and skills, as well as to offer their services to the community,” King Charles wrote.
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AfterPrince Philipdied in April 2021, the King’s brotherPrince Edwardtook over as patronof theDuke of Edinburgh’s Awardand inherited their father’s title.
Prince Edward called the program — which is available in more than 130 countries — his father’s “greatest legacy.” Olympians, Nobel Prize winner Paul Nurse — andKate Middleton— arealumni of the award.
And the King — who is dedicated toenvironmental causes— made it a point to mention how climate change has impacted such endeavors.
Mount Everest climb.ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty
ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty
“What we are celebrating today must be one of the greatest examples of endurance, combined with careful planning and collaboration. Our world is facing unprecedented and existential challenges, including climate change which endangers fragile ecosystems, including the Himalayan range,” the monarch wrote.
Warming temperatures are taking a toll on the mountain’s glaciers, whichstarted to melt in 2019.
King Charles continued, “I dearly hope we can take inspiration from the Everest Expedition of 1953 in order to work together in a similar fashion to safeguard our beautiful world for future generations.”
He signed his statement Charles R — his official signaturewhich debutedlast September.
The “R” stands for Rex, which is Latin for “King.” It’s traditionally used for the monarch dating back to the 12th century.
source: people.com
