DHAKA, Bangladesh 

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, received the King Charles III Harmony Award 2025 during a ceremony Thursday in London.

King Charles presented the award to Yunus at St. James’s Palace in recognition of his lifelong commitment to global peace, environmental harmony, and social stability, according to Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam.

Calling the honor a proud moment for both Yunus and the people of Bangladesh, Alam said: “It was the most important event of Yunus’ visit to the UK.”

Yunus is on a four-day visit to the UK that began Wednesday.

The Harmony Award, launched in June 2024, aims to celebrate individuals who promote a life of balance with nature. The first winner of this award was former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Earlier Thursday, King Charles III held a private audience with Yunus at Buckingham Palace.

During the 30-minute meeting, the two discussed Bangladesh’s reform agenda and the country’s ongoing democratic transition — key priorities for the interim government that assumed office following an uprising in August 2024.

Private audiences granted by the monarch are reserved for individuals whose work is deemed significant. They offer both recognition and a moment of royal engagement.

Following the meeting, Yunus received a signed photograph of King Charles and Queen Camilla as a personal gift.