Prince William has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, for a four-day visit that will see his Earthshot Prize award $1.2 million in grants to five organizations pioneering solutions for environmental challenges.
The Earthshot Awards ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, is the highlight of his trip, marking the first time the prestigious prize will be presented on African soil.
During his stay, William will meet with young environmentalists and local fishermen, join conservationists on the frontlines, and attend a global wildlife summit. His itinerary also includes a stop at a sea rescue institute, showcasing his dedication to conservation efforts both on land and at sea.
In a statement ahead of his visit, William, who has long been committed to conservation work, remarked, “Africa has always held a special place in my heart as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife, and most recently as the founding inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize.”
It was during a trip to Namibia in 2018 that the Prince of Wales first envisioned the Earthshot Prize as a way to tackle the pressing environmental issues facing the world.
Since its creation in 2020, the Earthshot Prize, run through his Royal Foundation, has aimed to encourage groundbreaking environmental solutions. Past ceremonies have taken place in London, the United States, and Singapore.
William’s choice of Cape Town this year underscores his commitment to Africa, a continent with minimal contribution to climate change yet one that bears significant impacts from environmental shocks.
African Innovation in Climate Action
Prince William’s vision for Earthshot goes beyond funding projects; he aims to inspire youth across Africa, which is home to 1.5 billion people. The Prince of Wales hopes that the awards will serve as a call to action for African young people to engage in sustainable solutions.
The awards span five categories: protecting and restoring nature, cleaning the air, reviving oceans, creating a waste-free world, and fixing the climate. This year’s finalists are an impressive group, with projects tackling climate issues in diverse ways.
Notable finalists include a Kenyan company designing solar-powered systems for households, a project in Ecuador uniting Indigenous communities to protect forests, and a conservation effort in Kazakhstan focused on saving the critically endangered Saiga antelope.
A Broader Mission of Engagement
While the environment remains the primary focus, William’s visit also aims to bridge connections with South Africa’s youth. He is scheduled to visit a high school in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Cape Town, where he will join students for a rugby practice session.
As a longtime rugby fan himself, William plans to spend some time on the field. “I can promise that you will see the Prince of Wales playing some rugby,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson shared, highlighting his intent to engage with young South Africans in a relatable and personal way.
Prince William’s trip to South Africa also comes shortly after his younger brother, Prince Harry, made his visit to the region. Last month, Harry visited Lesotho and South Africa for his youth charity work, furthering the legacy of royal involvement in African issues.
William’s trip aligns with an especially challenging time for southern Africa, which is grappling with one of the worst droughts and hunger crises in decades. According to the United Nations, 27 million people in the region are severely affected.
As such, the Earthshot Prize and Prince William’s deep connection to Africa serve as a reminder of the role of innovative solutions in combating climate change, especially on a continent rich in biodiversity yet disproportionately affected by climate shifts.
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