The Royal Week 11-17 March 2023

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 at the end of the Cold War to build open market economies and promote private enterprise in the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

On his visit to their new London headquarters, His Majesty toured the offices, met staff and heard how the EBRD has embedded sustainability measures into their new London office.

The 26-storey skyscraper where the EBRD is based is one of the most environmentally advanced buildings in the UK, being fully powered by renewable energy.

With their work now primarily focussing on the green economy, inclusion and digitalisation, the bank has invested over £160 billion in more than 6,600 projects and is currently active in 36 economies across three continents.

30 years ago, in March 1993, as The Prince of Wales, The King opened the bank’s previous headquarters in Bishopsgate.

His Majesty also had the opportunity to meet Ukrainian and Turkish staff. Over 100 EBRD staff members and their families were evacuated from Ukraine at the beginning of 2022, with financial aid and housing given to relocated staff.

The King also viewed an art exhibition, Kids and Art for Ukraine, created by students at art schools in Ukraine. All donations to purchase the art helps vulnerable children, providing them with medical, humanitarian, and educational support.