King and Queen Visit Eden Project to Mark 25th Anniversary

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen visited the Eden Project on Tuesday 24th March to mark the attraction’s 25th anniversary and launch a nationwide celebration of community.

The visit also marked the official launch of The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, which will take place across the UK from 5th to 8th June.

A milestone moment for Eden

During their time at the Eden Project, Their Majesties took a walk through the site to learn more about the charity’s work over the past 25 years.

This included its reported £6.8 billion economic impact on the South West, alongside its work in education, nature recovery, horticulture and community cohesion.

They were welcomed by a choir of children from Luxulyan School and accompanied throughout the visit by Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project, Andy Jasper, Eden Project CEO, Peter Stewart LVO, Eden Project Director Emeritus, and Erica Neve, Eden Project Trustee.

New attraction unveiled

Their Majesties were shown the Eden Project’s newest exhibit, the Giant Marble Runs.

The installation features more than 100 metres of interactive track across eight runs and is designed to encourage people of all ages to engage with nature through play.

They met designer Simon Jackman, who has created more than 10,000 marbles for Eden, including some made from trees felled during storms that hit Cornwall in January.

The King and Queen were handed marbles made from a storm-felled ash tree from the Duchy Estate and launched them down one of the runs, with local school children helping to catch them at the bottom.

Proceeds from the marble run will support restoration tree planting across Cornwall when it opens in late March.

Bringing people together

The visit included attendance at the first Big Lunch of 2026, where Their Majesties met volunteers, funders and philanthropists connected to The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out.

They also spoke with representatives from charities including Guide Dogs, Royal Voluntary Service, NSPCC and St Petrocs, all of whom are planning to support community events in June.

Guests included local groups such as Clean Cornwall, who are planning ‘Litter Pick and Lunch’ events, and crafters who host regular ‘crafternoons’ bringing people together to make items such as crocheted food and bunting.

Celebration in the Mediterranean Biome

The visit concluded with a celebratory Big Lunch held in the Mediterranean Biome, where around 80 guests gathered among olive trees, flowers and herb plants.

Their Majesties cut a cake designed to depict a street scene filled with community activities, including volunteering and neighbourhood gatherings.

In a nod to Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2021, the cake was cut using a ceremonial sword by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE CStJ.

Peter Stewart LVO, Eden Project Director Emeritus responsible for The Big Lunch, said: “As we mark 25 years since the pioneering charity Eden Project opened its doors – this visit from Their Majesties is truly the icing on the cake in a year set to be full of celebrations. It was an honour to share the impact of Eden’s work over the past quarter century with them and to look ahead to the charity’s future with the launch of The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, which we hope will encourage the whole nation to get in the party spirit by taking action and making a positive difference where they live this year on 5-8 June!”

The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out will take place from 5th to 8th June, inviting people across the UK to take part in community activities.

More information can be found at thebigdo.com.