Raymond Blanc Joins The King's Foundation as Ambassador, Serves Special Menu at Highgrove's Winter Warmers Initiative
Renowned chef Raymond Blanc OBE has been announced as the newest ambassador for The King's Foundation, joining a prestigious lineup that includes David Beckham, Sienna Miller, and Alan Titchmarsh.
The celebrated French chef marked his appointment today by joining attendees at Highgrove's Winter Warmers event, where he created and served a special menu for local community members as part of the foundation's initiative to combat social isolation.
The Winter Warmers program, introduced in 2023, welcomes vulnerable and elderly residents from surrounding communities to the estate's Orchard Room during the winter months, providing them with warm meals, companionship, and activities like crafts, board games, and knitting.
Today's attendees came from The Churn Project, a Cirencester-based organization that supports over 2,000 people annually who are experiencing isolation, poverty, or mental health challenges. They were treated to a simple yet elegant menu prepared by Blanc himself, consisting of vegetable and pistou soup, traditional baguette from Le Manoir, and his signature lemon cake.
"I am pleased and proud to become an Ambassador for The King's Foundation," said Blanc. "The King is a true champion for the natural world and I have seen first-hand how his Foundation works tirelessly to bring his vision to life. It has been an honour to work in partnership with the team at Highgrove to create this special menu for the local community today."
The announcement also revealed plans for a partnership between The King's Foundation and Blanc's iconic Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire. The collaboration will offer training and knowledge exchange opportunities for hospitality students and staff based at the foundation's Dumfries House and Highgrove Gardens sites.
This partnership builds on a shared commitment to sustainable and organic food production—principles that both The King and Blanc championed long before they became mainstream practices. Blanc's Le Manoir has maintained two Michelin stars for 41 consecutive years and is renowned for its garden-to-table philosophy.
"We are delighted to welcome Raymond as an ambassador for The King's Foundation," said Kristina Murrin CBE, Chief Executive of the organization. "Like His Majesty, Raymond's approach to prioritizing organic and sustainable food production was ahead of its time. We are thrilled our students and staff will have the opportunity to benefit from his experience and vision through training opportunities at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in the future."
The appointment comes as The King's Foundation celebrates its 35th anniversary. Founded in 1990 by King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the foundation aims to build communities and transform lives through practical education programs in food, farming, horticulture, and sustainable placemaking in towns and cities.
Blanc has previously collaborated with The King's Foundation on the ITV series "Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens," which aired in February 2024. The show was filmed at properties managed by the foundation, including Highgrove Gardens, Dumfries House, and the Castle of Mey.
The Winter Warmers initiative, which runs annually from January through March, aligns with The King's Foundation's mission to build communities and reduce social isolation. The foundation has been custodian of Highgrove Gardens since 2021, welcoming approximately 30,000 visitors between April and October each year.
Visitors interested in experiencing the gardens His Majesty has shaped over 40 years can book tours starting in late March through the Highgrove Gardens website.
