Prince William Looks Dapper as He Rewards Wildlife Heroes at Annual Tusk Awards

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William, Prince of Wales reacts as he speaks with winners ahead of the ceremony for 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, at The Savoy Hotel in London on Nov. 27, 2024.Photo:JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince Williamis speaking up for wildlife.

The Prince of Wales, 42, stepped out looking dapper for his annual outing to the Tusk Awards, where he rewarded three outstanding conservationists.

The Prince of Wales, long a supporter of conservation in Africa, has been patron ofTusksince 2005, one of the very first organizations he put his name behind when he started his public life.

Since 2013, the awards have recognized dedicated, forward-thinking individuals who are conservation leaders and wildlife rangers in 20 countries in Africa. Like William’sEarthshot Prize, which hecelebrated in South Africa earlier in November, the awards have also helped previous winners to expand their work across the continent.

Prince William, Prince of Wales (2R) talks with sponsors as he attends the ceremony for 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, at The Savoy Hotel in London on Nov. 27, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Soon after he arrived, William met some of the charity’s key supporters and the award winners.

Later, he presented the three awards: the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. Along with a trophy, each received what William’s office called a “significant grant funding to continue their work.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy Hotel on Nov. 27, 2024 in London, England.Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

“Tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face terrifying environmental concerns, from climate change and habitat destruction to the exploitation of natural resources and an alarming downward trend in global biodiversity,” Prince William said in his remarks. “Rainforests the size of countries are disappearing. And 1 million species are at risk of extinction, mostly due to human activity.”

“Now is the time to support those globally that work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature,” he added. “We must invest in the natural world around us and understand the value it has for us all, both now and in the future. That is why the insight and knowledge of the award winners tonight is so important. They should guide and inspire us all to drive change. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature.”

He continued, “This is why it is so crucial that we do everything in our power to support the individuals who protect the natural world. This has come into even sharper focus over the past two years, following the murder of Anton Mzimba in South Africa. Anton was assassinated in his home for doing his job, protecting the incredible biodiversity of his country.  And globally, 1,400 rangers have been killed in the past decade.”

Later in his remarks, Prince William said of the night’s winners, “You give us all the optimism for the future of our planet.”

“I believe we are the lucky ones,” the Prince of Wales said in his speech. “We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia. It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders such as those that we are celebrating today that this will happen.”

Tusk is an enduring cause in William’s life. Over the summer, Charlie Mayhew, founder and president of Tusk, told PEOPLE that hebelieves the Prince will introducehis children,Prince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6, to the continent and its wildlife soon.

“I think it won’t be long before, you know, he will want to introduce them to Africa,” Mayhew said.

Prince William, Prince of Wales (2R) meets Musicians Ronnie Wood (L) and Mark Knopfler (2L) ahead of the ceremony for 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, at The Savoy Hotel in London on Nov. 27, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

“He is very knowledgeable and passionate about conservation and the environment,” he added. “He has a particular love for Africa. He has been incredibly supportive as our patron and proactive in supporting us. We find ourselves incredibly lucky.”

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

It is a busy end of the year for William and the senior members of the royal family. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Williamtook part in trainingwith the Welsh Guards, of which he is honorary colonel.

source: people.com