Charles delivers ‘piece of home’ to Antarctic outpost

Space
14 Dec 2025 • 7:21 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • King Charles personally arranged for a new Royal Mail post box to be delivered to the remote British Antarctic Rothera Research Station.
  • The special Christmas delivery was prompted by a letter from Kirsten Shaw, the station's postal assistant, requesting a replacement for their old, hand-painted post box.
  • The Royal household was reportedly “touched” by the team's story and partnered with Royal Mail to provide a distinctive red lamppost box featuring the King’s cypher.
  • The post box arrived aboard the UK’s polar research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough, during a key resupply mission, bringing a “piece of home” to the scientists.
  • The gift is intended to help staff maintain vital connections with family and friends, especially during the Christmas period, in one of the Earth's most isolated locations.

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