Prince William issues bold statement from South Africa

How Prince William’s Earthshot Prize is sparking global change

Prince William has touched down in Cape Town, South Africa, kicking off a four-day visit focused on his flagship Earthshot Prize initiative.

Announcing his arrival with enthusiasm, the Prince of Wales shared a warm message on social media: “Molweni Cape Town, it’s great to be back in South Africa!

What a week ahead we have here for the fourth annual Prize Awards and the United for Wildlife Summit. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

“Africa has always held a special place in my heart,” he shared, adding that it was “somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife, and most recently as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize.”

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2018 during a trip to Namibia, William noted, “It was there that I saw firsthand the power of innovative, positive solutions to environmental challenges—and how they could drive transformative change for people and nature alike.”

“This week in South Africa, we’ll introduce the next cohort of 15 finalists and celebrate the incredible environmental innovation happening across Africa,” he said.

This trip holds personal significance for William, who has long held a deep connection with Africa, describing it as a “special place” where he found solace in his youth and later proposed to Princess Kate.

While the Prince prepares to celebrate sustainability and innovation through the Earthshot Prize, the royal family finds itself under fresh scrutiny.

A recent investigation by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times has raised questions around royal finances and alleged taxpayer contributions to royal estates, sparking public debate.