Devon hen charity celebrates royal moment in new Amazon Prime documentary

A heart-warming moment in a new Amazon Prime Video documentary featuring His Majesty King Charles III has delighted hen lovers around the world, and brought particular pride to a Devon-based charity that rehomed the King’s hens.

In Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, the monarch is shown personally tending to his flock, chatting to his hens and collecting fresh eggs by hand. The documentary explores the King’s lifelong commitment to nature, sustainability and living in balance with the natural world, offering rare behind-the-scenes access to his daily routines.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), headquartered in Devon, said it was “thrilled” to see such a gentle and down-to-earth portrayal of hen keeping shared with a global audience. Just over a year ago, the charity marked a major milestone when it rehomed its one millionth hen with His Majesty at Highgrove.

Jane Howorth, founder and CEO of the British Hen Welfare Trust, said:

“Seeing the King so relaxed and hands-on with his hens really struck a chord with us. Anyone who keeps chickens will recognise that joy – the cosy routines, the lively characters, and the simple pleasure of collecting eggs.

“It’s a lovely reminder that hens make wonderful companions, and that caring for animals can be grounding, rewarding and genuinely good for the soul, whoever you are. And we’re so proud and honoured to have placed our one millionth hen with the King at Highgrove.”

The documentary has already attracted attention for its personal tone and intimate insight into the King’s relationship with the natural world, including scenes filmed at his much-loved henhouse, affectionately known as “Cluckingham Palace”.

Founded in 2005 by Jane Howorth, the British Hen Welfare Trust was Britain’s first registered charity dedicated to rehoming ex-commercial laying hens. Based in Devon, the charity works year-round to find loving homes for hens once they reach the end of their commercial laying lives, giving them the chance to enjoy a free-range retirement rather than being sent for slaughter.

To date, the charity has rehomed more than one million hens, supported by around 1,400 volunteers and 48 collection points across the UK. In the UK, an estimated nine million hens are still kept in colony cages, and the charity also works to educate consumers about the use of caged eggs in processed foods such as pasta, cakes and mayonnaise.

Members of the public interested in adopting hens are encouraged to visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and select the nearest location, or contact the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.