Press Releases

DARWIN200 Voyage London Homecoming: Historic Tall Ship Oosterschelde Docks at Tower Bridge, Rare Darwin First Edition Onboard, Royal Welcome from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

LONDON, UK – 24 July 2025 15:00 – A striking scene unfolded on the River Thames this afternoon as the majestic tall ship Oosterschelde sailed to central London for a series of homecoming celebrations for the DARWIN200 Global Voyage – a two-year international conservation expedition inspired by Charles Darwin’s legendary journey aboard HMS Beagle.

Now moored at Tower Bridge Quay, the Dutch three-masted schooner’s arrival in London symbolises a major milestone for the project. A long-weekend of festivities including a chance for the public to tour the ship, will begin on Friday July 25th when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will be welcomed aboard, recognising DARWIN200’s role in promoting conservation and youth leadership around the world.

Since Oosterschelde departed the UK in August 2023, the 43,000-nautical-mile journey has retraced the route of HMS Beagle, stopping at 31 ports and engaging and empowering millions with the message that conservation isn’t about what we’ve lost, it’s about protecting what we still have.

Over 100 young ‘Darwin Leaders’ from 45 countries joined in at ports along the route to take part in immersive conservation leadership training programmes, with the ship doubling as “the world’s most exciting classroom”, broadcasting live interactive lessons to schools worldwide.

With support from expert local partners, these Darwin Leaders contributed to the safeguarding of over 105 species of plants and animals – from flagship species like Australia’s Koalas to lesser-known wildlife such as the endangered Huemul deer in Chile – combining science, storytelling, and action to address threats to biodiversity.

As the DARWIN200 voyage sails into London for its final chapter, project founder and British conservationist Stewart McPherson – who was just 24 when he received his own Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from Prince Edward who stepped in for the late Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip at St James’s Palace in 2007 – reflects on the achievements of this extraordinary journey:

Bringing the DARWIN200 voyage into the heart of London – a global capital of science, discovery and exploration – feels like the perfect finale to this extraordinary journey. This was about more than retracing Darwin’s steps; it was about harnessing the same spirit of adventure to inspire real conservation action. Darwin was only 22 when he set sail on the life-changing voyage he later called the most important event of his life – the experience that shaped his entire career. That sense of transformation is exactly what we’ve worked to recreate for the Darwin Leaders on this journey, showing what’s possible when young people are given the chance to learn, lead and make a difference.

Last week, Oosterschelde sailed into Falmouth Harbour, echoing the port where Darwin himself returned in 1836. Now in London – the city where On the Origin of Species was first published in 1859 – the voyage acknowledges the far-reaching impact of Darwin’s work which didn’t just change science; it changed the way we understand life on Earth and our relationship with the natural world.
During HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to the ship on Friday, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) will bring aboard a rare first edition of On the Origin of Species – usually housed in ZSL’s Prince Philip Zoological Library & Archives. Darwin became a Fellow of ZSL in 1839 and served on its council from 1839 to 1841, using the London zoo for some of his research.

Dr. Sarah Darwin, Charles Darwin’s great-great-granddaughter and DARWIN200 Ambassador joined the ship in Brazil and Galápagos Islands and was on board for Oosterschelde’s passage up the Thames to London with her son, said:

This journey is a powerful tribute to my ancestor’s legacy. DARWIN200 celebrates the spirit of observation and curiosity that drove his work – values that are as vital now as ever.

Dame Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace and a Patron of DARWIN200, said:

My warmest congratulations to Stewart McPherson and everyone involved in the completion of this remarkable voyage. Stewart’s vision in creating DARWIN200, and his ability to bring together so many talented individuals from across the world, is truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see how many young people have benefited from the opportunities this project has created. I’m especially delighted that members of my Roots & Shoots programme were able to take part, and that I’ve been able to follow the ship’s adventures around the globe – even if only virtually.

When the historic Oosterschelde sailed up the Thames this week, she carried not just a story of conservation, but centuries of shared maritime history between the UK and the Netherlands – a living echo of old ties, old tides, and old friendships. Dutch vessels have sailed the Thames since the 17th century, and Oosterschelde’s silhouette beneath Tower Bridge recalls a shared legacy of exploration and innovation.

Oosterschelde Captain and Director Gerben Nab, whose crew has sailed the ship through some of the world’s most remote and challenging waters, reflected on the voyage’s significance:

Sailing in Darwin’s wake has been the journey of a lifetime – not just for us as sailors, but for the generations who will carry this legacy forward. We look forward to welcoming many more sailors in the future on our good ship’s voyages.

• 25 July: Oosterschelde will host HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Tower Bridge Quay, recognising DARWIN200’s role in promoting conservation and youth leadership.
• 25 July: 14:00 A newly discovered species of marine cricket from Rapa Nui will be officially named in a live broadcast from the ship, following a public vote – tune in or catch the recording here: https://youtube.com/live/UWsPBladQrs
• 28 July: Members of the public are invited aboard the ship at Tower Bridge Quay between 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:30 to explore one of the world’s most iconic historic tall ships and learn about the DARWIN200 project. On display will also be All of Me, a striking sculpture by artist Daniela Raytchev made entirely from ocean plastic collected during the voyage. The unique artwork, which debuted at COP28, highlights the intersection of science, art and environmental action. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit DARWIN200 and Roots & Shoots UK. Admission is free, with no booking required.