In a world grappling with climate change and rapid biodiversity loss, an unlikely duo—Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and King Charles III—has stepped forward to champion one of the planet’s most critical conservation efforts: the Millennium Seed Bank. Their collaboration, highlighted in a special episode of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s podcast series Unearthed: The Need for Seeds, marks the 25th anniversary of the world’s largest wild seed vault and shines a spotlight on the urgent mission to preserve the seeds of life.
The episode, recorded earlier this year at Windsor Castle and released on October 20, 2025, brings together Blanchett, King Charles, and Dr. Elinor Breman—Senior Research Leader in Seed Conservation at Kew. Their conversation, as reported by BBC News and other outlets, explores the origins, achievements, and future ambitions of the Millennium Seed Bank, located at Wakehurst Botanic Garden in Sussex, England.
For Blanchett, the journey from Hollywood to horticulture began almost by accident. Living near Wakehurst, she stumbled upon the seed bank during a walk, and what she discovered left her in awe. "I literally had my mind blown by the work that goes on here… and I thought, anything I can do to be connected to it—I found it so inspiring," she told BBC News. The Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) is home to more than 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species, each carefully processed, dried, and stored at a frosty -20°C. The goal? To prevent extinction and ensure that plants essential to human survival can be reintroduced if lost from the wild.
King Charles, who inaugurated the MSB as the Prince of Wales in 2000, has long been a passionate advocate for the environment. In the podcast, he reflects on the devastation wrought by post-war industrialization—particularly the loss of wildflower meadows and the destruction of rainforests. "I know how absolutely critical it all is, and the destruction of rainforests, the extinction of endless species, which have very likely remarkable properties," he said during the recording. His commitment to seed science and conservation is underscored by his ongoing patronage of the Royal Botanic Gardens and his active engagement with the MSB’s evolving mission.
What began as a "doomsday vault"—a backup store of seeds to safeguard wild plants from extinction—has transformed into a dynamic force for environmental restoration. As Dr. Breman explained, "We’re just providing a safe space for them until we can get them back out into a habitat where they can thrive and survive." The MSB’s seeds have been instrumental in reviving ecosystems devastated by disasters, such as the wildfires that swept across Australia in 2019, and in restoring rare chalk grasslands on England’s South Downs. "There are almost 9,000 species of Australian plant that are stored [at the MSB]. And we know that bushfires are getting increasingly more intense. And it’s sad to say—but knowing that insurance policy exists, is of great solace to me," Blanchett remarked, reflecting her deep personal connection to the project.
Beyond its role in ecosystem recovery, the seed bank holds profound significance for science and medicine. Many modern pharmaceuticals originate from natural compounds found in plants, and every lost species could represent a missed opportunity for a medical breakthrough. Dr. Breman emphasized this point in the podcast, noting that seed preservation is not just about safeguarding biodiversity—it could also hold the key to future healthcare innovation.
Blanchett’s passion for the project is evident not only in her words but in her actions. As an ambassador for Wakehurst, she has rolled up her sleeves to help with seed sorting and has embraced gardening, joking about her efforts to "turn my brown thumbs green." Her advocacy brings a human touch to the science, making the case for conservation accessible and inspiring to a global audience. "You often think, where are the good news stories? Well, this is one," she said in an interview with the BBC. "You come here, you visit the seed bank, you walk through such a biodiverse landscape, and you leave uplifted. You know change is possible and it’s happening."
The Millennium Seed Bank’s ambitions are nothing short of monumental. The facility currently safeguards seeds from approximately 40,000 wild species, with a goal to cover 75% of the world’s threatened flora by 2030. Its work spans every kind of habitat, from sea level to mountain peaks, and from the tropics to the poles. As Dr. Breman described, "We’ve been to every kind of habitat, from sea level to about 5,000m, and from pole to pole—literally. And we’re involved in restoring tropical forest, dry deciduous forest, grassland, steppe—you name it—we’re trying to help people put those plants back in place."
The MSB’s impact is felt not just in the UK, but across continents. Seeds from the bank have helped restore ecosystems in Australia, South Africa, and beyond, providing a lifeline for species threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and human activity. The podcast episode celebrates these achievements, while also calling for greater global action to accelerate seed preservation efforts.
King Charles and Blanchett’s partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration across disciplines and backgrounds. Their conversation bridges the worlds of royalty, science, and the arts, proving that the fight for the planet transcends every boundary. As Blanchett put it, "Recording the podcast was an absolute joy. I witnessed the invaluable science carried out daily by the team at Wakehurst and their partners around the world. Seeds may be tiny, but they are of monumental importance to us all."
The public is encouraged to visit Wakehurst, explore the Millennium Seed Bank, and support its mission through donations. Every contribution helps fund seed collection, research, and restoration projects that are vital for the future of the planet. For those who want to learn more, the special episode of Unearthed: The Need for Seeds featuring King Charles III and Cate Blanchett is now available on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
As the Millennium Seed Bank celebrates its 25th anniversary, its message is clear: the seeds of change are already in our hands. With continued support and bold leadership from figures like King Charles and Cate Blanchett, there’s hope that the world’s threatened flora—and the ecosystems they sustain—can be preserved for generations to come.
