King Charles’ Untold Story: New Doc Promises Viewers a “Sobering” Look at the Monarch Like Never Before

King Charles is about to show a side of himself the public has never seen before. The monarch will take center stage in a brand-new ITV documentary premiering this Christmas — one that revisits one of the most defining adventures of his life.

The 90-minute special, Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge, will follow explorer Steve Backshall as he retraces Charles’s legendary 1975 expedition across the Canadian Arctic — a trip that shaped the young Prince’s lifelong passion for the environment.

Back in 1975, the then-Prince of Wales braved the frozen wilderness, went dog sledding, dove beneath Arctic ice, and immersed himself in Inuit culture. That eye-opening experience sparked his deep belief that humanity must learn to live in balance with nature — a message that feels more urgent than ever today.

Now, half a century later, Backshall journeys to the same icy landscapes to see how dramatically they’ve changed. Along the way, he sits down for a rare on-camera conversation with King Charles himself about the devastating ecological shifts happening in the polar regions.

“It has been a real privilege — and eye-opener — seeing His Majesty the King as never before: his extreme spirit of adventure, his genuine passion for the planet, and his mischievous sense of humour,” said director Marshall Corwin.

Backshall echoed that sentiment, calling the experience “inspiring and sobering.” He added, “Standing where the King once stood, diving beneath the same Arctic ice he explored half a century ago, was humbling beyond words.”

The adventurer also praised Charles as an early environmental trailblazer: “His Majesty was raising the alarm for the natural world long before most of us realised how urgent that call would become.”

ITV’s Darren Narty said the network was “thrilled” to bring the documentary to audiences, adding, “It’s fascinating to see His Majesty look back on his time exploring the Arctic as a young man — and to hear his continued passion for helping the planet.”

The film, a collaboration between ITV and Fresh Start Media, promises breathtaking visuals, emotional depth, and an intimate look at the man behind the crown.

As King Charles continues his decades-long environmental mission, his son Prince William is set to carry the torch — headlining Cop30 in Brazil next month.