On March 17, 2025, His Majesty King Charles III hosted a Water and Climate Reception at Buckingham Palace, gathering high-profile guests, including Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien, to raise awareness and rally support for WaterAid’s efforts in combating the water crisis exacerbated by climate change.
The event, which featured a star-studded lineup, aimed to highlight the growing issue of climate-induced water scarcity affecting millions worldwide. Notable guests included Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, actors Archie Panjabi, Samantha Barks, and Ariyon Bakare, and Ghanaian philanthropist Akosua Puni Essien.
During the reception, King Charles, who is a patron of WaterAid, joined young climate activist Ung Rong Phaltevy in a unique immersive experience that demonstrated the intersection between the climate crisis and the global water shortage. The reception also followed a series of roundtables at St. James’s Palace, where young leaders and decision-makers discussed innovative solutions to the water and climate crisis.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, King Charles remarked that future generations would bear the consequences of inaction today. WaterAid’s Chief Executive, Tim Wainwright, emphasized that reliable access to clean water is essential for communities to adapt to climate change, recover from disasters, and build resilience for a sustainable future.
The reception also featured speeches by activists and ambassadors such as Ellie Simmonds and Archie Panjabi, who underscored how access to clean water empowers women and supports education and health.
