Brazilian indigenous chief thanks Charles for shining light on deforestation

The Kayapo ethnic leader said to the King in his native language via a translator that he had waited a long time to speak to him.

Wednesday 15 October 2025 15:06 EDT

Indigenous leader of Brazil’s Kayapo people Chief Raoni Metuktire met the King (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The King was thanked by a Brazilian indigenous chief for shining a light on the impact of deforestation in the Amazon during a gathering for his environmental charity.

Charles, 76, met Chief Raoni Metuktire as scientists and business and indigenous leaders joined a reception for the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) at St James’s Palace in London on Wednesday evening.

The Kayapo ethnic leader, thought to be around 93 years old, said to the King in his native language via a translator that he had waited a long time to speak to him.

Metuktire then put his hand on Charles and thanked him for helping indigenous people by shining a light on environmental issues impacting the Amazon, such as deforestation.

The King, who patted Metuktire on the shoulder in response, said: “We’re doing our best.”

The pair met in the 1980s and again in 2009.

Charles also spoke briefly to human rights campaigner and former actress Bianca Jagger before he was shown 16th and 17th century ornaments and 18th century books about the natural world.

The CBA was founded by the King as Prince of Wales in 2020 and promotes nature-based approaches to economic decision-making.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Brazilian indigenous chief thanks Charles for shining light on deforestation

The Kayapo ethnic leader said to the King in his native language via a translator that he had waited a long time to speak to him.

Thank you for registering