Gossip Girl Star Ed Westwick has Royal Encounter with King Charles and Receives Special Response
In a surprising turn of events, American actor Ed Westwick, known for his role in the popular TV series Gossip Girl, had the opportunity to meet King Charles at an Elephant Family charity event in Richmond, England. The event, titled “Wonders of the Wild,” took place at Kew Gardens and was attended by Westwick and his wife, Amy Jackson, on May 13, 2025. Jackson, an ambassador for the Elephant Family charity, introduced Westwick to the royal couple, as she is actively involved in the conservation efforts for Asian wildlife supported by the King and Queen Camilla. The charity was established by Queen Camilla’s late brother, Mark Shand, with the King and Queen now serving as its joint royal patrons.
Westwick, 37, took to Instagram to share his experience at the event, expressing gratitude to his wife for introducing him to the Elephant Family and commending the organization’s continued efforts to protect elephants. He described the encounter with the royal couple as an honor and praised their significant support for the charity. The actor’s post included a photo capturing the moment he shook hands with King Charles, accompanied by Jackson, amidst a backdrop of the beautiful Kew Gardens.
The actor’s social media post garnered attention not only from fans but also from the royal family’s official Instagram account. In a rare move, the @theroyalfamily handle commented on Westwick’s post with emojis of an elephant and a red heart, signifying the royal couple’s appreciation for the actor’s involvement with the charity event. This unexpected response added a special touch to Westwick and Jackson’s memorable evening.
Jackson also took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the event, highlighting the significance of supporting charities like the Elephant Family and the British Asian Trust, both close to her heart. As an ambassador for the Elephant Family, she expressed pride in contributing to the protection of elephants and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, particularly in South Asia. The couple’s presence at the event, which celebrated art and conservation efforts, marked a meaningful night for them, especially with the recent addition of their son, Oscar Alexander, born in March.
The “Wonders of the Wild” event not only showcased the contributions of the Elephant Family but also marked the culmination of the Big Egg Hunt, an art trail featuring over 120 egg sculptures displayed across London’s iconic locations. The evening saw King Charles and Queen Camilla presenting awards, with Princess Beatrice and Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, also in attendance to show their support for the cause. The event provided a platform to recognize the importance of wildlife conservation and the collaborative efforts of individuals and organisations towards environmental sustainability.
Overall, the encounter between Ed Westwick, Amy Jackson, and the royal couple at the Elephant Family charity event exemplified a harmonious blend of celebrity influence and royal patronage in supporting meaningful causes. The response from the royal family’s official social media account added a touch of warmth and appreciation to the event, further highlighting the significance of collaboration in raising awareness for wildlife conservation efforts. Westwick and Jackson’s participation underscored the power of celebrity advocacy in promoting environmental stewardship and the protection of endangered species, resonating with a wider audience eager to make a positive impact on the world.