King Charles made an appearance at the conclusion of the second Annual Sustainable Markets Initiative Exhibition (SMI) and Reception at Hampton Court Palace following a two-day summit with global industry and finance leaders and government officials. The monarch was impressed by the innovations showcased by various industries, such as sustainable textiles, carbon capture models, and an electric airplane. During the exhibit tour, Charles expressed admiration multiple times, calling the displays “fantastic” and “magnificent.” Notably, he showed great interest in a machine model designed to clear space debris and a replica of the Blue Origin space shuttle that carried Katy Perry and Gayle King into orbit.
At the event, Charles viewed a model of the space debris removal satellite named Elsa-M, created by Astroscale UK. Nick Shave, the UK managing director of the company, mentioned that the King had visited their site at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire four years ago. Shave added that Charles was pleased to see the progress made by the company.
Following that, the King engaged with CEOs, including 50 delegates from China, to review the outcomes of the two-day conference. Later, he mingled with more guests in The Haunted Gallery and shook hands with former US Secretary of State John Kerry. King Charles established the SMI in 2020 to promote private sector investments in sustainability. The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Roundtables and Exhibition, initiated last year, aimed to feature private investment firms and initiatives.
Jen Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, expressed delight at King Charles’ presence and highlighted his vision for the private sector’s pivotal role in driving the sustainable transition. She commended the CEOs from around the world for collaborating to deliver practical solutions and real progress at the Summit.
Moreover, former Secretary of State John Kerry joined the Ocean Stewardship Initiative (OSI) as a Champion, and King Charles convened the Fashion Task Force at Buckingham Palace to discuss advancements in regenerative fashion and traceability through Digital Product Passports (DPP).