A Royal Visit Aboard the DARWIN200 Ship: Art, Ocean Plastic, and Echoes Still to Come

On Friday, 25th July 2025, history, art, and environmental legacy came together aboard the tall ship Oosterschelde, as it docked at Tower Bridge Quay, London, for one of the most symbolic moments of its two-year global conservation voyage. I had the honour of attending this private event, which was marked by a distinguished visit from His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.

The occasion celebrated the final stages of the DARWIN200 Global Voyage, a bold initiative retracing Charles Darwin’s historic journey aboard the HMS Beagle. Since setting sail in August 2023, the Oosterschelde has covered over 43,000 nautical miles, visiting 31 ports and empowering 200 young conservationists from around the world—each chosen for their commitment to protecting our natural world.

The Duke’s visit highlighted the importance of environmental action and youth-led change. In an intimate moment onboard, His Royal Highness took time to speak with the DARWIN200 Leaders, the extraordinary young naturalists who have sailed and studied along this voyage, developing the skills to become tomorrow’s pioneers in conservation.

A central feature of the event was the unveiling of All of Me, a striking new sculpture by contemporary artist Daniela Raytchev, created entirely from ocean plastic collected by DARWIN200 teams along the Brazilian and Uruguayan coastlines. Inspired by the legacy of Dr Jane Goodall and first revealed at COP28, the sculpture challenges us to rethink what we discard—physically, socially, and ideologically—and transforms waste into a powerful call for change.

Prince Edward viewed the sculpture with sincere interest, engaging with both the artist and the conservationists. His presence offered not only royal recognition but a sense of moral support for the global effort to heal our oceans and planet.

As we were treated to a refined lunch on the ship’s upper deck—surrounded by sails, stories, and voices of action—it became evident that this was not just a celebration, but a threshold. What has been achieved through this voyage is only the beginning of a new cultural and ecological dialogue.

Whats to come:

That conversation continues on Monday, 28th July 2025, during a special Open Day aboard the Oosterschelde, with public access available from 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:30.

The day’s highlight will be the exclusive panel discussion “Echoes of the Ocean: Art, Environmental Activism, and Conscientious Creativity,” moderated by Rebeca Riofrio Chairwoman for the Parliamentary Society of Arts UK - 3:00 PM, with seating open from 2:30 PM, and features an extraordinary lineup:

• Daniela Raytchev – Artist & Sculptor, creator of All of Me

• Stewart McPherson – Explorer, Author & Founder of DARWIN200

• Barry Martin – Renowned British Artist

• Rose McGowan – Artist, Author, and Activist

• HRH Princess Katarina – Advocate for education and sustainable philanthropy

  
  

Together, we will explore the intersection of art, science, and activism, reflecting on how conscientious creativity can shape policy, inspire communities, and provoke systemic change.

While Monday’s ship access is open to the public, the panel discussion is by invitation only, with RSVP essential via info@danielaraytchev.com. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As I reflect on Friday’s royal visit and look ahead to Monday’s dialogue, one message resounds: that in the hands of artists, scientists, and young dreamers, discarded materials—and discarded ideas—can be reshaped into hope. All of Me stands as more than a sculpture; it is a reminder that echoes, once cast into the ocean, always find their way back to shore.