Charles: I am so proud of my son’s climate activism
Prince makes rare public show of affection as Duke of Cambridge hosts launch of Earthshot eco awards
THE Prince of Wales has said he is “very proud” of his eldest son’s environmental campaigning, in the run-up to his eco awards launch.
The Duke of Cambridge will today host his inaugural Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, which will give out £50million over a decade to inventors and pioneers trying to save the planet.
Speaking on the eve of the awards, in a rare public declaration of affection the Prince of Wales – said: “I am very proud of my son, William, for his growing commitment to the environment and the bold ambition of the Earthshot Prize.
“As a world, we need to come together to inspire, reimagine and build the sustainable future we so desperately need. Over the coming decade, with future generations in mind, the Earthshot Prize, and its inspirational nominees, will help us find the innovative solutions.”
Referring to his own project, a charter to make the private sector more environmentally friendly, he added: “In parallel, through my Terra Carta and Sustainable Markets Initiative, we will work to mobilise the trillions of dollars required to transition the global economy on to a more sustainable trajectory.
“Together, with all those who join us, we have a real opportunity to deliver a brighter future for humanity while restoring harmony between Nature, People and Planet.”
The comments are a reflection on the now-close relationship between father and son. Their relationship has not always been easy, but the last few years have seen growing public affection and shared decision-making at the heart of the Royal Family.
In 2020, the pair approved the release of a warm picture of them, Prince Charles’ head resting on Prince William’s shoulder as they posed for the Duchess of Cambridge’s camera in the countryside.
With the Duke of Sussex now living in California, campaigning for the environment on his own terms, Prince Charles’s and Prince William’s projects have become ever more closely aligned.
Five winners of the Earthshot Prize will be announced this evening, with Sir David Attenborough due to address the audience and awards handed out by VIP guests including the Duchess of Cambridge, Dame Emma Thompson, actor David Oyelowo, footballer Mo Salah and actress Emma Watson.
The ceremony will open with a short film from the Duke of Cambridge, recorded in the London Eye. “We are alive in the most consequential time in human history,” he will say.
“The actions we choose or choose not to take in the next 10 years will determine the fate of the planet for the next thousand.
“A decade doesn’t seem long, but humankind has an outstanding record of being able to solve the unsolvable.
“Many of the answers are already out there … but we need everyone – from all parts of society – to raise their ambition and unite in repairing our planet.”
The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One at 8pm. Kensington Palace promised “incredible performances, stunning story-telling, and state-of-theart technology”, aimed at “turning the pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by celebrating the people and places driving change”.
A set by Coldplay, performing outside Alexandra Palace, will use energy powered by 60 cyclists.
‘The actions we choose or choose not to take in the next 10 years will determine the fate of the planet for the next thousand’