Sweet moment King Charles reunites with Brazilian indigenous chief in the UK for the first time since the 1980s

The King was reunited with an old friend on Wednesday night for almost certainly the last time in their lives.

He clasped hands with Brazilian indigenous leader Chief Raoni Metuktire of the Kayapo people on his final visit to the UK at the age of ‘approximately’ 93.

The rainforest advocate – with his traditional lip plate and headdress – is a familiar figure on the world stage having campaigned for decades to save the Amazon rainforest. He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

Speaking to the now wheelchair bound campaigner at St James’ Palace, Charles, 76, said warmly: ‘I haven’t seen you for so long’ as he shook the elderly man’s hand.

His translator said: ‘He’s been waiting for you a long time.

‘It’s been a long time.’

‘We first met back in the 80s,’ Charles said as the chief continued to hold his hand.

‘And then 2009 when you came to San Paolo, Brazil,’ the translator added.

The gentleman then grabbed onto the king’s jacket and spoke at length to him intently, Charles gazing into his eyes and patting his arm.

His translator said: ‘He said it’s been a long time since he wanted to meet you to thank you for everything you do for Brazil and its indigenous people. He says he is still fighting for his people. And he says he wants to continue to count on you to keep helping us to protect for the Amazon rainforest. There are a lot of challenges there.’

As the King shook hands with other family members, the translator added: ‘He wants you to support these younger generational leaders here.’

‘We are doing our best,’ the King said, before introducing him to some of his own team and clasping his hands in thanks.

The King also met singer Larissa de Macedo Machado who told him she would be performing for his son, Prince William, at his Earthshot Prize awards in Rio next month.

Charles asked her whether she was also going to the COP30 summit in Belem too, where his son and heir will be representing him, and she said she was.

‘The trouble is that it is not easy to get to. It’s a very long away way, I remember going years ago,’ he smiled.

‘And the rooms now are packed,’ the singer added.

‘There is no room for anyone,’ the King joked.

He also met with iconic environmental campaigner Bianca Jagger- stylish in a white suit and Panama hat – who had been invited as a guest.

The St James’s Palace reception saw the King join scientists, business and indigenous leaders for a reception with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA).

The reception will follow a day of discussions on the relationships between Nature and health.

As Prince of Wales, Charles established the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance in 2020 to encourage people and organisations to put Nature at the centre of economic decision-making, to achieve economies both powered by Nature and prospering in harmony with it.

It aims to create a positive impact by developing networks and initiatives which transform land, food, health and business operations.