Packham vows to have ‘words’ about hunting when he collects CBE
CHRIS PACKHAM has vowed to have some “cheeky little words” about the hunting of wildlife when he goes to collect his CBE at Buckingham Palace.
The TV presenter, a passionate defender of wildlife, was named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for his services to nature conservation.
Generations of the monarchy have enjoyed country pursuits, including hunting. The naturalist said he does not care if it is “deemed inappropriate” to bring up the subject of shooting game with members of the royal family when he receives the honour.
Packham, 57, told the Radio Times magazine: “There will be lots of cheeky little words, I assure you. Nobody ever gets off the hook around me. You don’t get many opportunities in life, and sometimes people are a little bit shy, but if I meet someone of influence I will use that opportunity.
“I don’t care if it’s a bit clumsy, I don’t care if it can be deemed inappropriate: it’s important to say something.”
He added: “I don’t know anything about the ceremony or what happens, but I presume at some point someone’s going to hand me a medal. And whether that’s the opportunity, or another one is – don’t worry, I’ll do it.”
Packham is vice president of the RSPB and the RSPCA, and supports other conservation and animal welfare charities, but he is best known for hosting BBC2’s Winterwatch and its seasonal spin-off programmes.