King Charles’s new Prime Video documentary about saving the planet will fall on deaf ears, reports BritPanorama.
A new feature documentary from King Charles III aims to ignite discussions around impending environmental collapse. However, the timing of Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision appears poorly aligned with contemporary issues dominating public discourse.
The current focus regarding the Royal Family heavily leans towards the Epstein scandal, overshadowing environmental conversations. Additionally, Amazon is also home to the poorly received Melania Trump film, further complicating the context in which this documentary is being introduced.
Produced in collaboration with The King’s Trust and featuring voiceover from Kate Winslet, the one-and-a-half-hour film outlines the King’s environmental initiatives, blending personal stories with a broader message of “harmony.” During an exclusive interview, Charles advocates for a return to “indigenous wisdoms” that foster a connection with nature, a consistent theme in his environmental advocacy.
Nonetheless, the question remains: who will heed his call? There exists a significant disconnect between the urgent messages being conveyed and the identity of the messenger, who may not resonate with younger climate activists.
The documentary’s relevance is further complicated by the King’s royal status, which brings with it a significant environmental footprint. Despite being an advocate for sustainability, he is often criticized for his extensive travel and the environmental ramifications of the properties he inhabits, including an illegal waste dump associated with the Duchy of Lancaster.
This dump, containing 25,000 tonnes of waste, sits on land partially owned by the Duchy, attracting concern from local residents. Although a spokesperson claims the Duchy is committed to resolving the issue in collaboration with local authorities, the existence of such a site raises questions about the credibility of advocating for environmental responsibility while failing to address such pressing matters.
Despite this backdrop, the King manages to convey his commitment to nature, as seen in his philanthropic initiatives such as the restoration of Dumfries House in Scotland, where he promotes traditional crafts. While some may dismiss his affinity for talking to plants, friends express confidence in his grounded understanding of environmental concerns. Still, many potential viewers, particularly younger ones, may opt not to engage with the lengthy royal-focused narrative presented in the film.
Its audience remains ambiguous; while Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision is accessible globally, it seems primarily aimed at older demographics who appreciate extensive programming about the monarchy.
Efforts to avoid controversy are evident, with producers strategically limiting footage of the King’s children and showing only brief references to historical family tensions, which could distract from the film’s environmental message.
Focusing on his organic garden at Highgrove, the King enthusiastically highlights cultivation techniques, mentioning the “red Duke of Yorks” potato variety. However, this upbeat depiction is clouded by the emergence of scandals linked to his brother, which have since become public knowledge, likely diminishing the documentary’s impact.
Reflecting on childhood memories of his grandmother’s gardens, Charles expresses a nostalgic connection to nature, although the context of Royal Lodge is now marred by negative associations.
Writer and director Nicolas Brown, along with his production team, should not take the blame for how poorly the documentary may resonate. Despite its high production values and beautiful cinematography, a more concise editing approach could have enhanced its appeal.
Towards the conclusion of the film, King Charles reflects on the hope that his efforts could engage the public, though his tone suggests a recognition of the futility in reaching audiences amid today’s distractions. Once a pioneering voice on climate issues, he now finds himself as an older figure with resources, grappling with whether his message will resonate in an era that seems increasingly indifferent.
‘The King: Finding Harmony’ is streaming on Prime Video.
