The King and Queen Celebrate Art and Conservation at ‘Wonders of the Wild’

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Elephant Family Joint Presidents, Their Majesties The King and Queen, led a star-studded evening in support of the charity at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Tuesday 13 May.

‘Wonders of the Wild: An Evening of Art and Conservation’, was attended by 250 guests including HRH Princess Beatrice; Amy Jackson, Ed Westwick, William Abadie, Ronaldo Nazario and Celina Locks, who wore jewellery and watches designed by event partners, Chopard. The event also featured a performance by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and DJ Gok Wan.

Their Majesties presented special recognition awards to Aaranyak, the charity’s partner in India, and artist Rebecca Campbell, who celebrates her tenth year as an Elephant Family ambassador.

‘Wonders of the Wild’ was the grand finale of the charity’s Big Egg Hunt, delivered in partnership with Clarence Court. The campaign featured more than 120 giant egg sculptures designed by leading names from fashion, art and design. They were displayed across London as part of a free art trail in iconic locations including Buckingham Palace, Battersea Power Station, the Royal Albert Hall, Sloane Street and Canary Wharf.

Some of the eggs were on display at ‘Wonders of the Wild’ and Their Majesties were introduced to participating artists including Instagram sensation, Sophie Tea, who was accompanied by eight-year old, Penelope McNamara-Francis, a fan who Sophie surprised with an invitation to be her guest for the evening. Other artists introduced to Their Majesties included Simon Emery, Patricia Mitchell, Jag Sihra and designers, Shantanu & Nikhil.

Elephant Family was founded by Mark Shand in 2002 to protect the endangered Asian Elephant. Since then, the charity has become renowned for using the power of art to inspire action for wildlife. Today it works with local partners in Asia to promote conservation and coexistence so that people and animals can safely share space.

CEO Richard Hawkes said: “Wonders of the Wild is a celebration of art and nature, which also serves to raise awareness and funds to support our critical conservation work.

“Elephant Family partners with local organisations in Asia to reduce human wildlife conflict, increase biodiversity and invest in research and education programmes. Our mission is to create environments where people and wildlife can thrive together.

“True to our founder, the guiding principle of Elephant Family has always been to raise awareness of wildlife conservation in the most joyful ways possible and tonight is testament to that.”

Following Their Majesties departure, a live auction featured some of the eggs on display. A silent auction included three nights at a safari resort in Nepal courtesy of Taj Hotels, a stay in the penthouse of Nobu London and a diamond elephant necklace, created by Chopard.

The King and Queen have been joint Presidents of Elephant Family since 2014. His Majesty has been Patron of Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, since 2016.