Launched to mark the King’s Coronation, the Professorship is funded by Trinity College, Cambridge – which yesterday (6 May) also unveiled a ‘wild crown’ in tribute to the King, an alumnus of the College, and launched a new punt named ‘Charles’.
Trinity’s Vice Master, Professor Louise Merrett, said: “The Coronation of King Charles III is an opportunity not only to reflect on Trinity’s past but importantly also to look to the future. Trinity is delighted to support this new University professorial role, the holder of which will investigate some of the most pressing environmental issues we face today.”
Hand woven from English willow by Trinity’s gardeners, the Wild Crown is wildlife friendly, sustainable and recyclable. Studded with succulent-plant ‘jewels’, topped with handwoven ball ‘finials’, and wrapped in ‘ermine’ wool, it will be dismantled and rewilded in Trinity’s gardens after the Coronation.
Deputy Head Gardener Karen Wells said the idea grew from discussions among the gardeners and their skills – including a gardener with a degree in fashion design and several with willow-weaving experience.
“Many of our team enjoy crafting things – the beauty of this entirely recyclable Wild Crown is that it will be rewilded to benefit wildlife and the gardens here. We like to think His Majesty would approve!”
Crafted by Puntman Paul Joyce, the new punt is named in honour of the monarch, King Charles III, and in keeping with the College tradition, drawing on its own name, of playing on the number three.
Among Trinity’s fleet are punts named Wise Man, Point Turn, Nenya, Fluffy and for the scientifically minded, Codon, Lithium and Baryon.
Cambridge students, Camilla Esnou, in her third year of Law at Queens’, and Charles Li, also in his third year, studying Maths at Trinity, enjoyed Charles’ inaugural voyage after the Master Dame Sally Davies and Fellow in Charge of Punts Dr Rupert Gatti, together with the Trinity puntsmen, launched the new craft.
The University of Cambridge’s work tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues will be boosted by the creation of the new King Charles III Professorship – launched in recognition of His Majesty’s lifelong interest in the environment. The new role will provide a focus for leadership in the field of sustainability, and build on the University’s world-leading research and education.
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