The King and Queen visited The Garrison Chapel today to preview a major new exhibition marking two decades of Turquoise Mountain, the heritage charity founded by King Charles.
The exhibition, titled ‘Craftsmanship and Community: 20 Years of Turquoise Mountain’, showcases traditional artisan work from five nations where the organisation operates.
The King serves as Royal Founding Patron of the charity, which he established in Afghanistan back in 2006 whilst still Prince of Wales.
The preview comes ahead of the exhibition’s public opening tomorrow at the Chelsea venue.
The King serves as Royal Founding Patron of the charity, which he established in Afghanistan back in 2006 whilst still Prince of Wales.
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GETTY
Over its 20-year history, Turquoise Mountain has dedicated itself to protecting and reviving cultural heritage whilst supporting artisan communities across some of the world’s most challenging regions.
Since its establishment in Kabul, the charity has achieved remarkable results in preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting vulnerable communities.
More than 11,500 artisans have received training and employment through Turquoise Mountain’s programmes over the past two decades.
The organisation has also undertaken extensive restoration work, bringing more than 170 historic buildings back to life across its areas of operation.
Beyond its core heritage mission, the charity has expanded into healthcare and education, providing primary medical services to over 250,000 patients and delivering cultural programmes to more than 4,500 children.
The King and Queen visited The Garrison Chapel today to preview a major new exhibition marking two decades of Turquoise Mountain, the heritage charity founded by King Charles.
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GETTY
What began as a single initiative in Afghanistan has grown into an international operation spanning five countries: Afghanistan, Jordan, Myanmar, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival at the chapel, the royal couple were greeted by Shoshana Stewart, who serves as the charity’s President, alongside Rory Stewart, the Founding Director who originally set up Turquoise Mountain at the then-Prince of Wales’s request.
The King and Queen were guided through the exhibition by the Stewarts, meeting craftspeople representing each of the five nations where Turquoise Mountain currently operates.
Artisans from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Jordan presented their work to the King and Queen, explaining the techniques and traditions behind their creations.
During the visit, the royal couple were given the opportunity to participate in craft activities alongside the artisans.
The King and Queen were guided through the exhibition by the Stewarts, meeting craftspeople representing each of the five nations where Turquoise Mountain currently operates.
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GETTY
The preview concluded with remarks from both Shoshana and Rory Stewart, followed by a group photograph with the assembled craftspeople.
The exhibition features an impressive array of traditional crafts, including hand-woven carpets and textiles, intricate embroidery, jewellery, hand-blown glass, woodwork, ceramics, decorative tilework, stonework, miniature painting and lacquerware.
Turquoise Mountain has generated more than $37 million in sales by connecting these artisan products with international markets and prestigious partners.
The charity’s client list includes luxury brands such as Asprey, Jo Malone and Pippa Small, alongside interior designers and major cultural institutions including the V&A and National Gallery museum shops.
High-end hotels such as The Connaught, Four Seasons and Fairmont also stock artisan products sourced through the organisation.
As a charitable body, Turquoise Mountain retains no profit from these sales, with all revenue directed back to artisan communities and the organisation’s broader humanitarian work.
The Garrison Chapel, which hosts the exhibition, forms part of The King’s Foundation, His Majesty’s charity focused on nature and sustainability.
Situated within the Chelsea Barracks development near Pimlico Road, the chapel represents the sole surviving structure from the original 19th-century military complex.
The venue specialises in exhibitions highlighting sustainable traditional arts and heritage craft skills, reflecting The King’s Foundation’s educational mission.
The Foundation provides training courses to nearly 15,000 students each year, with its headquarters at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, and additional London hubs including the School for Traditional Arts in Shoreditch.
‘Craftsmanship and Community: 20 Years of Turquoise Mountain’ opens to the public on Thursday, 12th February 2026, with the chapel welcoming visitors from the local community and beyond.
