Blue Peter, the iconic children’s TV show, is set to present Prince William with a green badge in recognition of his work with The Earthshot Prize. The Earthshot Prize is a global initiative aimed at finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
During the Blue Peter 65th Birthday special, set to air on Friday, October 13th, Prince William will receive the green badge from Blue Peter presenter Joel Mawhinney. The show will also feature a special segment where Prince William helps Joel present the “big badge wall,” which showcases drawings and letters sent in by viewers centred around nature and the environment.
The green badge, introduced in 1988, has been a focal point of Blue Peter’s environmental activities for over 35 years. It acknowledges children who demonstrate their commitment to issues such as climate change, recycling, animal conservation, and protecting habitats. Notable recipients of the green badge include Princess Diana, Sir David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, and Steve Backshall.
In addition to the green badge, Prince William and Princess Diana were also awarded the prestigious Gold Blue Peter badge in 2017. The Gold badge is the highest honour bestowed by Blue Peter and is reserved for individuals who have made a significant impact on society.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Blue Peter has invited former presenters Matt Baker, Lindsey Russell, and Radzi Chinyanganya to join current hosts Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, and Henry the Blue Peter pet for various challenges and games. In true Blue Peter tradition, Abby and Joel will even embark on an exciting white-water rafting adventure.
The birthday celebrations will also feature special messages from renowned figures such as Alex Scott, Gaby Roslin, Gary Lineker, Gethin Jones, and stars from Coronation Street. Gold Blue Peter badge holders, including Sky Brown, Ellie Simmonds, and Joe Wicks, will also send their birthday wishes.
Blue Peter has become an institution over the years, inspiring generations of children to engage with the show. Each year, the program receives over 100,000 competition entries, letters, artworks, and ideas from enthusiastic young viewers. The dedicated Blue Peter team personally reads and responds to every child who writes in.
As part of this special year, Blue Peter recently introduced a brand-new Book Badge designed by renowned artist Sir Quentin Blake. Additionally, in collaboration with Doctor Who, 500 lucky fans will have the chance to win a limited edition competition winners’ badge on November 24th.
Blue Peter’s enduring legacy is evident by the fact that more than 265,000 children aged 5-15 currently own at least one Blue Peter badge. In the past month alone, 6,000 children have applied for the new Book Badge, highlighting the continued appeal and influence of the show.
Blue Peter’s 65th Birthday special, featuring the presentation of the green badge to Prince William, promises to be a memorable celebration of the show’s remarkable history and its ongoing commitment to inspiring young minds to make a positive impact on the environment and the world around them.
