KING Charles has been given one of the Institute of Chartered Foresters' (ICF) highest honours. 

His Majesty was presented with an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his "enthusiasm for trees, woodlands and forests". 

Presented to the monarch during a special private ceremony held at Highgrove House, the award further celebrated his "outstanding contribution to arboriculture and forestry over many decades". 

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Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Louise Simpson, the ICF's executive director, said: “It was an honour to present His Majesty with Honorary Fellowship of the Institute.

"This is an award that’s long overdue, recognising the many significant contributions the King has made to increasing awareness of environmental concerns, driving global sustainability, and the important role of tree professionals in addressing these challenges.”

A dedicated champion of the environment and sustainable change, King Charles III has long been an advocate for initiatives focused on addressing issues including climate change, global biodiversity, organic farming and wildlife conservation.

His enthusiasm for trees, woodlands and forests, because of the many and varied benefits they deliver to people and the planet, is well-known and the Honorary Fellowship recognises his outstanding contribution to arboriculture and forestry over many decades.

King Charles, seen her planting a Wollemi pine, has been a vocal supporter of forestry for decades King Charles, seen her planting a Wollemi pine, has been a vocal supporter of forestry for decades (Image: FE/stock)

The King has met many Institute members, provided a video-message for an Institute conference and championed many causes that are aligned to the Institute’s core values.

ICF president Geraint Richards added: “During my career I have had the privilege of witnessing His Majesty’s deep interest in our profession and the activities that he has undertaken to promote many causes close to the Institute’s heart.  It was a great pleasure to be able to recognise this contribution by awarding His Majesty the Honorary Fellowship.”

The Institute’s Honorary Fellowship is a distinguished award bestowed upon individuals in respect of notable service to the advancement of forestry and/or arboriculture knowledge.