King Charles delighted onlookers with a Star Wars reference during a visit to a leading observatory in Bermuda this week, just ahead of May the Fourth. The monarch declared 'the force is with us' while touring the site operated by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), which is set to open later this year.
Project Nova and Space Junk
The King learned about Project Nova's ambitious plans to tackle harmful space junk. The observatory's location in Bermuda was chosen for its unique position, allowing UKSA and its partners to track old satellites, rocket stages, and other debris. Before unveiling a plaque to mark the launch, Charles spoke with the Astra Carta team working alongside UKSA.
A Garden Inspired by Planetary Movements
Charles revealed he had completed a garden based on the revolution of the planets. 'I've just done a garden based on the planetary movements, because if you trace them, it's amazing how they all form the most beautiful patterns,' he said. 'It's so interconnected, really, in all forms. So as they say, the force is with us.'
Impromptu Meet-and-Greet at Coastguard Station
Earlier, the King made an impromptu appearance at a new Coastguard station at Great Bay on St David's Island, where he greeted well-wishers who had waited hours in the sun. They expressed gratitude, with one saying, 'Thank you so much for coming' and another adding, 'It's such a pleasure to have you.'
Telescopes to Track Asteroids and Satellites
The first phase of the £40 million Project Nova involves establishing three telescopes on Bermuda's northwest coast, about 620 miles off the US coast. These will be capable of spotting asteroids or rogue satellites heading toward Earth. A decade ago, there were only a few hundred satellites in space; now there are over 12,000, with numbers expected to exceed 100,000 by 2030. The new telescopes across British territories, including Bermuda, are powerful enough to detect objects smaller than a Rubik's Cube in low Earth orbit.
During a space debris demonstration, the King pointed to the sky and asked, 'So how much damage is going on up there?' Charles's Sustainable Markets Initiative has been heavily involved through its Astra Carta framework, launched in 2020 to promote sustainability in the global space industry.
Visit to Great Bay Coast Guard Station
At the Great Bay Coast Guard station, Charles viewed the operations room where staff monitor CCTV images of the coastline and track vessels. Michael Weeks, Bermuda's minister of national security, described the first visit by a monarch since 2009 as 'a very exciting time.' He noted a '50/50 split' in Bermuda regarding whether it should remain a British Overseas Territory or become independent, adding, 'There's no problem with a child leaving home at some point and standing on their own.'
Before departing, Charles joined Bermudan police motorbike outriders, security personnel, and other officers for a group photo at the top of the plane's steps.
