In a charming blend of tradition and contemporary media, members of the Royal Family have appeared on Blue Peter multiple times throughout the years.
The longest-running children’s television show in the world debuted on October 16, 1958.
Originally a 15-minute programme intended to run for just six weeks, it aired on BBC One until 2012. It then moved to the CBBC channel, where it now broadcasts live every Friday.
The show has maintained a strong connection with its audience, rewarding participants with the prestigious Blue Peter badge and involving them in its annual charity appeal.
In 1969, a five-year-old Prince Edward featured on the programme alongside his cousins Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones and James Ogilvy.
Two years later, Princess Anne was joined by Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton when she embarked on her first solo overseas tour to Kenya in her role as President of the Save the Children Fund, and the trip was filmed for the programme.
A Blue Peter gold badge, the highest honour given for exceptional achievements, was awarded to Queen Elizabeth in recognition of her inspiring public service and impact as a role model in 2001.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also awarded gold badges in 2017 for their campaign work on mental health issues affecting children.
Kate Middleton was presented with her second Blue Peter badge, a green one, for her commitment to the environment in 2019
In 1971, Princess Anne embarked on her first solo overseas tour to Kenya, in her role as President of the Save the Children Fund, with Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton (right) accompanying her to film the journey
During her Golden Jubilee year in 2001, Queen Elizabeth received a gold badge, the highest honour given for exceptional achievements, recognising her inspiring public service and impact as a role model
William described the award as ‘very touching’, while Kate found it ‘hugely special’ and ‘a real honour’.
In 2019, Kate recorded a special segment inviting green-fingered children to join her in the garden she designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
During the visit, she was presented with her second Blue Peter badge, a green one, for her commitment to the environment.
Last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla received gold Blue Peter badges during a visit to the Liverpool Arena for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
Charles was recognised for his environmental work and support for young people through the Prince’s Trust, while Camilla was honoured for her efforts in promoting literacy and reading from an early age.
William meanwhile was separately given a green badge in recognition of his pioneering Earthshot Prize, which aims to find solutions to the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
Among Blue Peter’s notable guests were Prince Edward, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones and James Ogilvy in 1969
Prince Edward (centre) was just five when he appeared on the programme alongside his cousins Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones and James Ogilvy in 1969
Prince Edward was shown how to operate a camera in the Blue Peter studio
The Blue Peter gold badge is the highest honour given for exceptional achievements
Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom and Goldie the Labrador meet Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh (back left), in the Blue Peter Garden when the Queen opened Liverpool’s International Garden Festival in 1985
Prince William and Kate seen on Blue Peter in 2017, when they were both awarded gold badges
Kate seen on Blue Peter in 2019. She invited green-fingered children to join her in the ‘Back to Nature’ garden she designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Kate’s garden was inspired by childhood memories triggered by the natural world and included a hollow log for children to climb through, den, waterfall, stream and tree house
Last year, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla received gold Blue Peter badges during a visit to the Liverpool Arena for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest
Anne’s 1971 programme, titled Blue Peter Royal Safari, was shown on Easter Sunday that year.
It was the then-20-year-old’s first solo royal tour and her first television work on her own.
Anne gave several interviews to presenter Ms Singleton during the trip, opening up on her work for the Save the Children Fund.
She also spoke of her love of horse riding and her ambition to compete at the Olympics. The Princess went on to achieve her aim at the 1976 Montreal Games.
In 2008, Queen Elizabeth hosted a Blue Peter reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the programme’s 50th anniversary.
In 2012, Anne opened Blue Peter’s new garden at MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester.
