Prince William Champions Sustainable Farming at Devon's Regenerative Apricot Centre

June 18, 2026
Prince William Champions Sustainable Farming at Devon's Regenerative Apricot Centre
  • Overall, the visit underscored William’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the Duchy’s net-zero ambitions.

  • Prince William visited the Apricot Centre near Totnes in Devon, a regenerative farm focused on sustainable food production, education, and wellbeing programmes rooted in nature.

  • Center founders Marina and Mark O’Connell established the centre in 2015, employing organic and regenerative methods such as agroforestry, permaculture, rotational grazing, and crop rotation, with the site being carbon neutral and biodiversity up 400%, and an annual turnover of £1.3 million.

  • Staff and participants describe biodynamics and nature-based therapies as integral to the curriculum, blending spiritual and scientific elements within the centre’s broader educational approach.

  • Public reaction on social media praised William’s charitable work and expressed optimism about his future role as king and the positive impact of his engagements.

  • The royal appearance at Royal Ascot is linked to broader environmental and sustainability agendas, with editorial coverage noted by The News Digital.

  • The visit took place on June 17, 2026, the same day William and Catherine joined Day Two of Royal Ascot, arriving in a horse-drawn Ascot Landau as part of a coordinated royal procession.

  • The couple’s official social media described agroforestry, permaculture, and nature-based therapies as ways nature benefits people and the environment.

  • Images and video from the visit show William touring the facility and engaging directly with its sustainability and wellbeing initiatives.

  • The prince’s tour aligned with the Duchy of Cornwall’s net-zero goal for 2032, with questions asked about climate change and extreme weather impacts on crops.

  • Amir Qureshy, the centre’s director of quality assurance, noted nature’s role in reducing anxiety and cortisol, and praised the prince for genuine interest in their work.

  • Managing director Rachel Phillips highlighted hands-on learning for youths about food origins and environmental stewardship, emphasizing meaningful experiences with nature.

Summary based on 14 sources


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