It was with immense pride and honour that SeaGrown Directors, Captain Wave Crookes and Professor Laura Robinson, represented our company at the Royal Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday, May 7th. These prestigious events, graciously hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen, alongside other members of the Royal Family including The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are a long-standing tradition to recognise and reward individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to public life across the nation and the Commonwealth.
The atmosphere in the Palace gardens was, as one might expect, truly special – a quintessential British occasion with military bands playing, afternoon tea served, and guests from all walks of life mingling in the historic setting. Reflecting on the experience, Wave shared his thoughts: "It was an absolute privilege to represent SeaGrown at the King’s Garden Party yesterday at Buckingham Palace. People from around the world attended the event but it showcased so many great things about our nation and I’m pleased that the seaweed industry was rightly recognised as one of them." He also noted what a "wonderful day" it was, remarking on how graciously Their Majesties and other Royal Family members engaged personally with so many of the guests throughout the afternoon.
For SeaGrown, this invitation is a deeply appreciated acknowledgement of our pioneering work in sustainable seaweed cultivation and our unwavering commitment to ocean restoration. It validates our efforts in developing innovative solutions for marine health, contributing to biodiversity, tackling aspects of the Triple Planetary Crisis, and fostering a sustainable blue economy for the Yorkshire Coast and beyond. It was particularly heartening, as Wave highlighted, to see the burgeoning UK seaweed sector recognised for its potential.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) for nominating SeaGrown for this memorable occasion. Their support and recognition of the important role seaweed cultivation can play in environmental stewardship and sustainable development are invaluable.
Attending the Royal Garden Party was a truly special moment, not just for Wave and Laura, but as a reflection on the hard work and dedication of the entire SeaGrown team. It reinforces our commitment to our mission and inspires us to continue cultivating a healthier future for our oceans and coastal communities.
