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Sir Edmund Hillary – or ‘Ed’ as he was universally known – passed away on 11 January 2008, at home in Auckland, aged 88. A huge wave of emotion swept over the people of New Zealand. Led by their Prime Minister, Helen Clark, they mourned their great Kiwi, lying in state in Holy Trinity Cathedral, with his Everest ice axe and Maori ceremonial staff atop the casket.
Here in the UK, people also paid tribute. Sir Edmund was a Knight of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry granted by Her Majesty the Queen. On a knight’s death, his personal banner is ceremonially laid down on the High Altar of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. This was done at an extraordinarily moving ceremony on 2 April 2008, attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
The following day The Himalayan Trust UK organised a special tribute at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Sir Ed’s son, Peter Hillary, spoke on ‘Growing up with Ed’. Tenzing Norgay’s son, Jamling Norgay, spoke on behalf of the Sherpa community. And there was a showing of Michael Dillon’s prize-winning film Beyond Everest, about Sir Edmund’s philanthropic work with the Sherpas. The auditorium was packed to the rafters and overflowing.
So moved were the loyal supporters and Trustees of The Himalayan Trust UK, that a decision was made to launch a series of Sir Edmund Hillary Memorial Lectures that would take place on the day of his ascent of Everest, 29 May, or as close to this day as possible, at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Today, this continues to be an opportunity to gather with our friends and supporters, and raise funds for the children and grandchildren of the people who made the whole great Everest adventure possible, the tough, courageous mountain people of Nepal.
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Photo credit @James Finlay
The 2025 Hillary Memorial Lecture celebrated the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Kangchenjunga and explored what it means to create a truly sustainable future for this remarkable region.
Kangchenjunga – the Five Treasures of the Great Snow symbolises wealth: salt, gold, precious stones, sacred scriptures and invincible armour. Today, this ancient symbolism finds new meaning through the Five Pillars Plan of the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area plan: conservation, sustainable infrastructure for tourism, empowering communities, smart technologies and destination marketing.
With original film footage (produced by The Alpine Club) and contributions from mountaineers, explorers and leading voices in sustainable adventure, we will trace the journey from that first ascent in 1955 through to the present day, when we hope to unlock a new era of prosperity and preservation for Kangchenjunga’s communities and its fragile ecosystems.
The evening is part of a journey of “Kangchenjunga 70” celebrations stretching from the foothills of Kangchenjunga to Kathmandu, and to this event in London – just like in 1955.
As this is a charity event, tickets are non-refundable.
Photo credit @Joe Brown
70 years ago, climbers Joe Brown and George Band stood at the threshold of Kangchenjunga’s summit—but out of respect for the mountain’s sanctity, they kept their promise to the Chogyal of Sikkim and stepped no further. In this special anniversary lecture, we’ll reflect on their story, with rare archive footage capturing their historic climb—and the deep reverence they showed for the Five Treasures.
But what treasures do we risk losing today? As new roads push ever closer to Kangchenjunga’s slopes, the future depends on how we balance preservation with progress.
Discover how the Five Pillars Plan for the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area offers a new kind of treasure map, guiding the region towards prosperity without sacrificing its soul. Hear about the ambitious goal to make Kangchenjunga the first UNESCO World Biosphere in Nepal.
This not-to-be-missed evening will also unveil a stunning new short film, made this winter in Kangchenjunga, and celebrates the Himalayan Trust UK’s work in the region since 2007.
Whether you’re a mountaineer, adventurer, conservationist, or simply passionate about sustainable travel, this event will inspire you to explore responsibly and support mountain communities protecting their heritage.
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