Prince William Wraps Up His Earthshot Prize Visit to Cape Town, South Africa: See the Best Photos!

Mar. 15, 2025

Chris Jackson/Getty

Organizers call itPrince William’s"Superbowl moment"— the Prince of Wales' annual Earthshot Prize Awards, which this year is in Cape Town, South Africa for its fourth iteration.

So he created The Earthshot Prize, where annually 15 finalists compete for a $1.3 million prize across the organization’s five categories of Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate. The awards are handed out at an annual awards ceremony, and the prize money winners receive goes towards scaling winners' respective ventures.

“We search for proven solutions that, if scaled, could be transformative in their impact,” Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones said.

She added, “Unlike most prizes, we don’t give awards to people for what they’ve already achieved. We reward for the future potential of their inventions.”

Of the poignant return to where the idea originated, “We are extremely excited to be hosting this event in Africa, where we will celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity from across the continent, which are contributing to efforts to protect the planet,” the Kensington Palace spokesperson added of this year’s ceremony.

01of 33Preparing the Superdome for the Big ShowView of the Earthshot Prize Dome in Cape Town, South Africa under construction.Kensington PalaceThis year’s awards ceremony, which will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 6, will take place in avast, reusable Superdome, seen here under construction. The Earthshot Prize Dome seats 2,000 people and, in keeping with the event’s sustainability theme, has already been used in many events across Africa. The structure was designed and engineered in South Africa, and the production of the Earthshot Prize Awards itself is creating about 650 jobs locally, contributing significantly to Cape Town’s creative industries.The green carpet outside of the Earthshot Prize Dome is said to be the longest ever seen, according to organizers, and Jones said, “I think you will see a lot more dancing in the event than you did before.”

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Preparing the Superdome for the Big Show

View of the Earthshot Prize Dome in Cape Town, South Africa under construction.Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

This year’s awards ceremony, which will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 6, will take place in avast, reusable Superdome, seen here under construction. The Earthshot Prize Dome seats 2,000 people and, in keeping with the event’s sustainability theme, has already been used in many events across Africa. The structure was designed and engineered in South Africa, and the production of the Earthshot Prize Awards itself is creating about 650 jobs locally, contributing significantly to Cape Town’s creative industries.

The green carpet outside of the Earthshot Prize Dome is said to be the longest ever seen, according to organizers, and Jones said, “I think you will see a lot more dancing in the event than you did before.”

02of 33Posing In Front of the Iconic Table MountainPrince William, Prince of Wales poses with young climate activists in front of the iconic Table Mountain at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyAhead of the show on Nov. 6 — which will feature talent like co-hostBilly Porterand presentersNina DobrevandHeidi Klum— Prince William visited with young climate activists in front of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Monday, Nov. 4.As he prepared to arrive in Cape Town, William reflected fondly on Africa, saying in a Nov. 2 statement that “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.”

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Posing In Front of the Iconic Table Mountain

Prince William, Prince of Wales poses with young climate activists in front of the iconic Table Mountain at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

Ahead of the show on Nov. 6 — which will feature talent like co-hostBilly Porterand presentersNina DobrevandHeidi Klum— Prince William visited with young climate activists in front of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Monday, Nov. 4.

As he prepared to arrive in Cape Town, William reflected fondly on Africa, saying in a Nov. 2 statement that “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.”

03of 33Prince William and Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones Meet with Young People Changing the WorldPrince William, Prince of Wales and Earthshot CEO Hannah Jones talk to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty“I am proud that, since its inception, The Earthshot Prize has traveled to Europe, North America and Asia, spotlighting and scaling 45 groundbreaking solutions, all of which are having a tangible impact as we work as a global collective to secure the future of our planet," Prince William said in a Nov. 2 statement.“This week we’ll travel to South Africa to spotlight our next cohort of 15 finalists and have the opportunity to join partners from across Africa to celebrate the inspiring approach to environmental innovation that is taking place across the continent,” he continued.

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Prince William and Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones Meet with Young People Changing the World

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Earthshot CEO Hannah Jones talk to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

“I am proud that, since its inception, The Earthshot Prize has traveled to Europe, North America and Asia, spotlighting and scaling 45 groundbreaking solutions, all of which are having a tangible impact as we work as a global collective to secure the future of our planet," Prince William said in a Nov. 2 statement.

“This week we’ll travel to South Africa to spotlight our next cohort of 15 finalists and have the opportunity to join partners from across Africa to celebrate the inspiring approach to environmental innovation that is taking place across the continent,” he continued.

04of 33Prince William Meets with ‘Future Changemakers’Prince William, Prince of Wales talks to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program with the iconic Table Mountain in the background on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyAfter traveling on a commercial flight from London, the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program was Prince William’s first stop on Nov. 4. While there, he metmore than 120 young leaderswho have traveled from across Africa and some countries in Asia.“All of you in this room are future changemakers, you’re the leaders, you’re the people going to make the difference going forwards,” Prince William said. “It’s your platform. Use it as you need to, take it away, play with it, turn it into something different.”“Because we believe in you, and what you’re going to do is change the world, I really believe that,” William added. “This is the generation that are going to do that. And your solutions and your impact are so important and so needed right now. This is not noble, this is business, and what you’re doing is creating solutions and a better life for all of us. Keep it going. Keep the energy up.”

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Prince William Meets with ‘Future Changemakers’

Prince William, Prince of Wales talks to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program with the iconic Table Mountain in the background on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

After traveling on a commercial flight from London, the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program was Prince William’s first stop on Nov. 4. While there, he metmore than 120 young leaderswho have traveled from across Africa and some countries in Asia.

“All of you in this room are future changemakers, you’re the leaders, you’re the people going to make the difference going forwards,” Prince William said. “It’s your platform. Use it as you need to, take it away, play with it, turn it into something different.”

“Because we believe in you, and what you’re going to do is change the world, I really believe that,” William added. “This is the generation that are going to do that. And your solutions and your impact are so important and so needed right now. This is not noble, this is business, and what you’re doing is creating solutions and a better life for all of us. Keep it going. Keep the energy up.”

05of 33Royal Protocol? What Royal Protocol? Selfies Are In These Days!Prince William, Prince of Wales and Nomzamo Mbatha pose for a selfie with young people during the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.The Prince and Princess of Wales/XPrince William snapped a selfie with young people during the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4. On the inaugural day of the new Climate Leaders Youth Program, William engaged with young leaders, listening to their experiences addressing environmental issues. Participants are age 18 to 35 and are all deeply passionate about driving transformative change in climate action and sustainability.“By the end of the week, I want The Earthshot Prize to have provided a platform to all those innovators bringing about change for their communities, encouraged potential investors to speed African solutions to scale and inspired young people across Africa who are engaged in climate issues," William said. “I firmly believe that if we come together with collective ambition and urgency, we can reshape the future of our planet.”

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Royal Protocol? What Royal Protocol? Selfies Are In These Days!

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Nomzamo Mbatha pose for a selfie with young people during the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.The Prince and Princess of Wales/X

The Prince and Princess of Wales/X

Prince William snapped a selfie with young people during the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4. On the inaugural day of the new Climate Leaders Youth Program, William engaged with young leaders, listening to their experiences addressing environmental issues. Participants are age 18 to 35 and are all deeply passionate about driving transformative change in climate action and sustainability.

“By the end of the week, I want The Earthshot Prize to have provided a platform to all those innovators bringing about change for their communities, encouraged potential investors to speed African solutions to scale and inspired young people across Africa who are engaged in climate issues,” William said. “I firmly believe that if we come together with collective ambition and urgency, we can reshape the future of our planet.”

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Bonding with Young People Through Sport

Phil Noble-Pool/Getty

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“I ran into him in the drill, and he was really cool about it,” Stransky laughs. “What was cool too was he comes into this environment and talks to kids from different walks of life and different backgrounds. To chat to the kids the way he did and ask the right questions was really cool.”

Stransky adds of William’s athletic skills, “He’s a good ball player. You could see he’s a natural. I should think he loves it and doesn’t get enough chance to do it. I hope he enjoyed it as much as we did.”

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Learning Important Digital Skills on the DigiBus

Prince William, Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township taking part in a digital skills lessons on the Atlas DigiBus, during a visit to Ocean View Secondary School on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Prince William met with children from Langa Township taking part in a digital skills lessons on the Atlas DigiBus during a visit to Ocean View Secondary School on Nov. 4.

Atlas’ DigiBus has 40 laptops and provides elementary school children from Langa Township with help for children’s vital math, STEM and digital literacy skills. The program is working with almost 1,000 children on a weekly basis and has helped develop skills of all the students it works with in language, math and ITC skills, and educational attainment rates have risen as a result.

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Prince William Takes the Stage, But Not for the Last Time This Week!

Prince William, Prince of Wales speaks on stage during his visit to the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 4, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

This year’s Earthshot Prize Awards will be broadcast in 50 countries across Africa via the MultiChoice network, in the U.K. on BBC iPlayer and around the world onYouTube.

11of 33Prince William Takes a Hike on Signal HillPrince William, Prince of Wales talks to Megan Taplin, Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park during his visit at Signal Hill on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyPrince William started his day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 with a hike up Signal Hill, part of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. His second day in the city saw him walk and talk with Megan Taplin, park manager, and take in the views that surrounded him.“It’s looking spectacular at the moment,” the Prince of Wales said, perThe Sun. Speaking to rangers, he added, “What a stunning spot to meet you guys in. Look at this. It’s amazing.”

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Prince William Takes a Hike on Signal Hill

Prince William, Prince of Wales talks to Megan Taplin, Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park during his visit at Signal Hill on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

Prince William started his day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 with a hike up Signal Hill, part of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. His second day in the city saw him walk and talk with Megan Taplin, park manager, and take in the views that surrounded him.

“It’s looking spectacular at the moment,” the Prince of Wales said, perThe Sun. Speaking to rangers, he added, “What a stunning spot to meet you guys in. Look at this. It’s amazing.”

12of 33Prince William and Robert Irwin Join Forces in South AfricaPrince William, Prince of Wales talks to Robert Irwin during his visit at Signal Hill on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyDuring his hike, Prince William met up with Robert Irwin, who is one of The Earthshot Prize’s ambassadors.“I really loved having a conversation with Prince William about the importance of support for rangers,” Irwin said, viaHello!. “They are on the front line of conservation, and you have to remember that these days, conservation can be a dangerous business. And it’s really nice to know that Prince William is ensuring rangers are valued and they get the resources and the support they need. Very encouraging steps in the right direction. It’s great that William is putting himself behind this. Protecting the environment is about protecting people, too.“Of the Earthshot Prize, Irwin said, per theBBC, “For the first time we have an environmental movement on a scale we’ve never seen before.““It’s really putting money where it’s needed most, putting support and awareness where it’s needed most but it’s also leading with a sense of positivity,” he added. “It’s this beacon, this light we can all strive towards.”

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Prince William and Robert Irwin Join Forces in South Africa

Prince William, Prince of Wales talks to Robert Irwin during his visit at Signal Hill on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

During his hike, Prince William met up with Robert Irwin, who is one of The Earthshot Prize’s ambassadors.

“I really loved having a conversation with Prince William about the importance of support for rangers,” Irwin said, viaHello!. “They are on the front line of conservation, and you have to remember that these days, conservation can be a dangerous business. And it’s really nice to know that Prince William is ensuring rangers are valued and they get the resources and the support they need. Very encouraging steps in the right direction. It’s great that William is putting himself behind this. Protecting the environment is about protecting people, too.”

Of the Earthshot Prize, Irwin said, per theBBC, “For the first time we have an environmental movement on a scale we’ve never seen before.”

“It’s really putting money where it’s needed most, putting support and awareness where it’s needed most but it’s also leading with a sense of positivity,” he added. “It’s this beacon, this light we can all strive towards.”

13of 33Prince William Takes a Moment to Pet a DogPrince William (2nd R), Prince of Wales, meets with Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park Megan Taplin (L) and other rangers while visiting Signal Hill in Cape Town on Nov. 5, 2024.GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/POOL/AFP via GettyWhile hiking Signal Hill on Nov. 5, Prince William, a well-known dog lover, took a moment to pet a pup. While hiking, the Prince of Wales joked that he would try to not “wipe myself out in front of everybody” as he enjoyed the incredible views.Of the work of The Earthshot Prize, which Prince William is in Cape Town celebrating this week, “Earthshot is filling a desperately needed gap in terms of giving visibility to game-changing solutions from all over the world, in all different sectors,” Mary Allen, creative director of Natural Fiber Welding,told PEOPLEof Prince William’s environmental initiative. “Every founder’s story here is different. By bringing us together, it gives us an opportunity to learn and grow together and cross-pollinate. It’s hard to measure the impact of that, but it’s invaluable. This has been one of the most transformative weeks of my career in sustainability.”

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Prince William Takes a Moment to Pet a Dog

Prince William (2nd R), Prince of Wales, meets with Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park Megan Taplin (L) and other rangers while visiting Signal Hill in Cape Town on Nov. 5, 2024.GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/POOL/AFP via Getty

GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/POOL/AFP via Getty

While hiking Signal Hill on Nov. 5, Prince William, a well-known dog lover, took a moment to pet a pup. While hiking, the Prince of Wales joked that he would try to not “wipe myself out in front of everybody” as he enjoyed the incredible views.

Of the work of The Earthshot Prize, which Prince William is in Cape Town celebrating this week, “Earthshot is filling a desperately needed gap in terms of giving visibility to game-changing solutions from all over the world, in all different sectors,” Mary Allen, creative director of Natural Fiber Welding,told PEOPLEof Prince William’s environmental initiative. “Every founder’s story here is different. By bringing us together, it gives us an opportunity to learn and grow together and cross-pollinate. It’s hard to measure the impact of that, but it’s invaluable. This has been one of the most transformative weeks of my career in sustainability.”

14of 33Meeting with South Africa’s President Cyril RamaphosaPrince William, Prince of Wales meets the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at his Official Residence on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyLater on Nov. 5, Prince William met with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa at his official residence in Cape Town, described as a follow up to the state visit Ramaphosa made to the U.K. in 2022.“I would just highlight that we are actually delighted to have the Prince of Wales here this week for Earthshot Week, and we will be taking the opportunity of doing some bilateral events with him, and for him,” said Antony Phillipson, Britain’s high commissioner to South Africa, perHello!.“We continue to see here as a very historic moment between the U.K. and South Africa,” he added ahead of the two men’s audience.

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Meeting with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa

Prince William, Prince of Wales meets the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at his Official Residence on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

Later on Nov. 5, Prince William met with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa at his official residence in Cape Town, described as a follow up to the state visit Ramaphosa made to the U.K. in 2022.

“I would just highlight that we are actually delighted to have the Prince of Wales here this week for Earthshot Week, and we will be taking the opportunity of doing some bilateral events with him, and for him,” said Antony Phillipson, Britain’s high commissioner to South Africa, perHello!.

“We continue to see here as a very historic moment between the U.K. and South Africa,” he added ahead of the two men’s audience.

15of 33Celebrating Young People at Earthshot+Prince William, Prince of Wales attends Earthshot+ at Portside Tower on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Aaron Chown - Pool/GettyThe Prince of Wales' third engagement of a busy Tuesday was at Earthshot+ at Portside Tower, where he took part in a panel discussing, in particular, young people’s role insaving the planetthrough their ideas.“We know that the idea from prototype to scale is a challenging leadership journey, and we are here to unlock support where we can,” said Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones.“This cohort is passionate about driving transformative change in climate action and sustainability,” she added.

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Celebrating Young People at Earthshot+

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends Earthshot+ at Portside Tower on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

The Prince of Wales' third engagement of a busy Tuesday was at Earthshot+ at Portside Tower, where he took part in a panel discussing, in particular, young people’s role insaving the planetthrough their ideas.

“We know that the idea from prototype to scale is a challenging leadership journey, and we are here to unlock support where we can,” said Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones.

“This cohort is passionate about driving transformative change in climate action and sustainability,” she added.

16of 33The Prince of Wales Announces Landmark Initiative for RangersPrince William, Prince of Wales arrives at the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyAt the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase, Prince William’s fourth stop of the day, he announcedan ambitious initiativeto protect and support rangers, specifically mentioning ranger Anton Mzimba, whose 2022 murder profoundly affected and impacted him.His five-year plan will provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable insurance coverage, together with opportunities for training and leadership development.Of rangers specifically, Prince William said in his remarks at the event, “Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet. These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources. Yet, far too often, they lack sufficient support, with rangers in particular facing inadequate pay and protection.”

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The Prince of Wales Announces Landmark Initiative for Rangers

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

At the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase, Prince William’s fourth stop of the day, he announcedan ambitious initiativeto protect and support rangers, specifically mentioning ranger Anton Mzimba, whose 2022 murder profoundly affected and impacted him.

His five-year plan will provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable insurance coverage, together with opportunities for training and leadership development.

Of rangers specifically, Prince William said in his remarks at the event, “Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet. These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources. Yet, far too often, they lack sufficient support, with rangers in particular facing inadequate pay and protection.”

17of 33Prince William Speaks Out in Solidarity with Rangers at 2024 United for Wildlife Global ShowcasePrince William, Prince of Wales is seen at the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty“This has come into even sharper focus over the past two years, following the murder of Anton Mzimba here in South Africa,” Prince William continued. “Anton was assassinated in his home for doing his job … protecting the incredible biodiversity of this country. Currently, fewer than 300,000 rangers are working globally, but estimates suggest we need five times that number to properly meet our conservation commitments. We cannot protect our planet without a well-supported workforce.”“What happens over the next five years, especially in relation to stopping the illegal wildlife trade, is crucial for the future of life on Earth,” he said as he began to conclude his speech. “The urgency is palpable, as entire parts of the species chain are being removed. As we look to 2030 and beyond, we have the power, and opportunity, to change the trajectory. While the challenge may still be complex, the path is now clearer.”

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Prince William Speaks Out in Solidarity with Rangers at 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase

Prince William, Prince of Wales is seen at the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase on Nov. 5, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

“This has come into even sharper focus over the past two years, following the murder of Anton Mzimba here in South Africa,” Prince William continued. “Anton was assassinated in his home for doing his job … protecting the incredible biodiversity of this country. Currently, fewer than 300,000 rangers are working globally, but estimates suggest we need five times that number to properly meet our conservation commitments. We cannot protect our planet without a well-supported workforce.”

“What happens over the next five years, especially in relation to stopping the illegal wildlife trade, is crucial for the future of life on Earth,” he said as he began to conclude his speech. “The urgency is palpable, as entire parts of the species chain are being removed. As we look to 2030 and beyond, we have the power, and opportunity, to change the trajectory. While the challenge may still be complex, the path is now clearer.”

18of 33Walking Through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardenPrince William (R), Prince of Wales, walks with Garden Director Werner Voigt (L) before meeting with the 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town on Nov. 6, 2024.JEROME DELAY/POOL/AFP via GettyPrince William joined garden director Werner Voight for a walk through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The Prince of Wales met with The Earthshot Prize Award’s 15 finalists ahead of that evening’s awards ceremony, where five winners would be chosen.Though his wifeKate Middletondidn’t join him for his trip to South Africa, she wasn’t far from his mind.When asked how she wasafter her Sept. 9 announcement that she had completed chemotherapy, William said, “She’s doing really well, thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on.”He added, “She’s been amazing this whole this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success.”

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Walking Through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Prince William (R), Prince of Wales, walks with Garden Director Werner Voigt (L) before meeting with the 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town on Nov. 6, 2024.JEROME DELAY/POOL/AFP via Getty

JEROME DELAY/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William joined garden director Werner Voight for a walk through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The Prince of Wales met with The Earthshot Prize Award’s 15 finalists ahead of that evening’s awards ceremony, where five winners would be chosen.

Though his wifeKate Middletondidn’t join him for his trip to South Africa, she wasn’t far from his mind.When asked how she wasafter her Sept. 9 announcement that she had completed chemotherapy, William said, “She’s doing really well, thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on.”

He added, “She’s been amazing this whole this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success.”

19of 33Prince William Meets Up with The Earthshot Prize’s 15 Finalists Ahead of Awards CeremonyPrince William, Prince of Wales meets with the 2024 Earthshot Prize finalists at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyThe same day he met up with the 15 finalists of The Earthshot Prize Awards, Prince William also shared insight into life at home with Kate and their three childrenPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6.“Yeah, well, you know, every family tries to do what they can to sort of help with the environment,” he said of their life at home in Windsor. “We go through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimize water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that, and making sure, which is sensible, in what we do around the environment.”“I think every family has these conversations. You just try to do what you can,” he added.Of daughter Charlotte in particular, the prince said that she hadmade him a friendship braceletto remind him of his family while he was away. “Well, this is a relic, if you like, from aTaylor Swiftconcert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for,” William explained of his accessory. “She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised that I’d wear it and try not to lose while I was out here.“Of all three of his kids, Prince William said, “tonight I hope they are watching and they are proud of kind of what we are trying to do here, which is to really galvanize that energy that enthusiasm to make real impact.”

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Prince William Meets Up with The Earthshot Prize’s 15 Finalists Ahead of Awards Ceremony

Prince William, Prince of Wales meets with the 2024 Earthshot Prize finalists at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

The same day he met up with the 15 finalists of The Earthshot Prize Awards, Prince William also shared insight into life at home with Kate and their three childrenPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6.

“Yeah, well, you know, every family tries to do what they can to sort of help with the environment,” he said of their life at home in Windsor. “We go through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimize water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that, and making sure, which is sensible, in what we do around the environment.”

“I think every family has these conversations. You just try to do what you can,” he added.

Of daughter Charlotte in particular, the prince said that she hadmade him a friendship braceletto remind him of his family while he was away. “Well, this is a relic, if you like, from aTaylor Swiftconcert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for,” William explained of his accessory. “She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised that I’d wear it and try not to lose while I was out here.”

Of all three of his kids, Prince William said, “tonight I hope they are watching and they are proud of kind of what we are trying to do here, which is to really galvanize that energy that enthusiasm to make real impact.”

20of 33A Conversation with a ViewPrince William, Prince of Wales meets with the 2024 Earthshot Prize finalists at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyOf The Earthshot Prize, Prince William said on Nov. 6 that he had “been greatly looking forward to the time” he could bring Earthshot to Africa: “I love this continent. And spent many a year looking around exploring it,” he said. “And just really thrilled to have the reception of the exuberance and energy that’s going to be in this room tonight around Earthshot in South Africa.”“I think everyone wants some hope and wants some optimism,” he added. “I think the Earthshot encompasses urgent optimism. That’s what we’re here for. And as I think you will see tonight, the amount of youth from Africa who’ll be in here. They’ll be letting you know and letting everyone know that it matters to them.”“Without them, you know, the future is looking pretty bleak. So these are the game changers. These are the innovators. These are the inventors that are going to make the world a better place for us in the future,” he continued.

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A Conversation with a View

Of The Earthshot Prize, Prince William said on Nov. 6 that he had “been greatly looking forward to the time” he could bring Earthshot to Africa: “I love this continent. And spent many a year looking around exploring it,” he said. “And just really thrilled to have the reception of the exuberance and energy that’s going to be in this room tonight around Earthshot in South Africa.”

“I think everyone wants some hope and wants some optimism,” he added. “I think the Earthshot encompasses urgent optimism. That’s what we’re here for. And as I think you will see tonight, the amount of youth from Africa who’ll be in here. They’ll be letting you know and letting everyone know that it matters to them.”

“Without them, you know, the future is looking pretty bleak. So these are the game changers. These are the innovators. These are the inventors that are going to make the world a better place for us in the future,” he continued.

21of 33Prince William Arrives at the Earthshot Prize AwardsPerformers dance as Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives with Earthshot Prize Chief Executive Hannah Jones for the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/GettyPerformers dance as Prince William arrives at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6 alongside Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones.“I’m feeling good. I can’t quite believe we’re here, fourth year, in Africa,” Prince William said when he made it to the green carpet. “But I’m really pleased because I’ve been looking forward to an Africa Earthshot for a long time. I love the continent, and I’m so pleased we’ve managed to get here to Africa.““Africa’s been a big part of my life since I’ve been a young boy, since I first came to Africa,” he continued. “I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point. And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it’s a really special place, a home from home for me.”

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Prince William Arrives at the Earthshot Prize Awards

Performers dance as Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives with Earthshot Prize Chief Executive Hannah Jones for the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/Getty

Performers dance as Prince William arrives at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6 alongside Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones.

“I’m feeling good. I can’t quite believe we’re here, fourth year, in Africa,” Prince William said when he made it to the green carpet. “But I’m really pleased because I’ve been looking forward to an Africa Earthshot for a long time. I love the continent, and I’m so pleased we’ve managed to get here to Africa.”

“Africa’s been a big part of my life since I’ve been a young boy, since I first came to Africa,” he continued. “I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point. And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it’s a really special place, a home from home for me.”

22of 33Hitting the Green Carpet with Robert Irwin and Nomzamo MbathaPrince William, Prince of Wales walks with co-host Nomzamo Mbatha and Australian conservationist and television presenter Robert Irwin as they arrive for the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/GettyPrince William hits the green carpet (the longest ever in Earthshot’s history!) with the ceremony’s co-host Nomzamo Mbatha and Earthshot Prize ambassador Robert Irwin.On the green carpet, Prince William wore a vintage blazer sourced from a local vintage store in London and sustainable sneakers that are zero-plastic and biodegradable. He teased the sneakers earlier in the day during a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. While speaking to Earthshot Prize finalist Mary Allen fromNatural Fiber Welding, which makes plastic-free materials for use in shoes, bags and textiles, Prince William told her thathe owned a pairof the company’sPurifiedsneakers, made from plant-based materials.“He said he’s got a pair!” Allen tells PEOPLE.

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Hitting the Green Carpet with Robert Irwin and Nomzamo Mbatha

Prince William, Prince of Wales walks with co-host Nomzamo Mbatha and Australian conservationist and television presenter Robert Irwin as they arrive for the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/Getty

Prince William hits the green carpet (the longest ever in Earthshot’s history!) with the ceremony’s co-host Nomzamo Mbatha and Earthshot Prize ambassador Robert Irwin.

On the green carpet, Prince William wore a vintage blazer sourced from a local vintage store in London and sustainable sneakers that are zero-plastic and biodegradable. He teased the sneakers earlier in the day during a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. While speaking to Earthshot Prize finalist Mary Allen fromNatural Fiber Welding, which makes plastic-free materials for use in shoes, bags and textiles, Prince William told her thathe owned a pairof the company’sPurifiedsneakers, made from plant-based materials.

“He said he’s got a pair!” Allen tells PEOPLE.

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Performers Take the Stage at the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony

Performers at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa on Nov. 6, 2024.WAYNE REICHE

WAYNE REICHE

Performances during the awards ceremony were a highlight, and the show was vibrant from the beginning, kicking off with a performance from the iconic Table Mountain. Lebo M. unveiled a pre-recorded version of “Circle of Life” fromThe Lion King, the first time a performance of this nature has been recorded at the site above Cape Town.

24of 33Heidi Klum Hits the Earthshot Green CarpetHeidi Klum attends the Earthshot Prize Awards at Green Point Shared Fields in Cape Town, on day three of the Prince of Wales' visit to South Africa for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via GettySupermodel Heidi Klum, seen here on the Earthshot green carpet, tells PEOPLE of Earthshot, “I go to a lot of events, but this is probably one of the most important events I’ve been to. I have to be honest, I hadn’t heard of it before. It is amazing what he [Prince William] has done. I have not met him yet. I didn’t know I was on his radar, and so when his team called and asked if I could come, I said, immediately, yes.““When I delved in deeper I learned so many new things,” she continued. “Who knew there was sustainable fishing? Tomorrow I’m so honored to go with him to this place to learn about sustainable fishing. I knew our waters are overfished and they’re polluted and all of these horrible things. But I didn’t know about sustainable fishing. I love that I get to learn more things and hopefully be better in the future. Also, I love doing my part. We should all do our part.”

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Heidi Klum Hits the Earthshot Green Carpet

Heidi Klum attends the Earthshot Prize Awards at Green Point Shared Fields in Cape Town, on day three of the Prince of Wales' visit to South Africa for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Supermodel Heidi Klum, seen here on the Earthshot green carpet, tells PEOPLE of Earthshot, “I go to a lot of events, but this is probably one of the most important events I’ve been to. I have to be honest, I hadn’t heard of it before. It is amazing what he [Prince William] has done. I have not met him yet. I didn’t know I was on his radar, and so when his team called and asked if I could come, I said, immediately, yes.”

“When I delved in deeper I learned so many new things,” she continued. “Who knew there was sustainable fishing? Tomorrow I’m so honored to go with him to this place to learn about sustainable fishing. I knew our waters are overfished and they’re polluted and all of these horrible things. But I didn’t know about sustainable fishing. I love that I get to learn more things and hopefully be better in the future. Also, I love doing my part. We should all do our part.”

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Winnie Harlow in a Vegan Leather Dress

Winnie Harlow attends the 2024 Earthshot Prize at Green Point Shared Fields on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

26of 33Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Share a Kiss on the Green CarpetShaun White and Nina Dobrev attend the Earthshot Prize Awards at Green Point Shared Fields in Cape Town, on day three of the Prince of Wales' visit to South Africa for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via GettyNewly engagedShaun Whiteand Nina Dobrev shared a smooch on the Earthshot green carpet, where Dobrev said that the last few days since the announcement have been “magical.“Of the Earthshot finalists, Dobrev added, “They’re all so unique and they’re so different and they’re all touching the world in helping in their own unique way. But we need all of them. We’re going to give out five awards, but all of the finalists are going to get mentorship and support from the organization. We need this now more than ever. The world is in dire need.”

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Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Share a Kiss on the Green Carpet

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev attend the Earthshot Prize Awards at Green Point Shared Fields in Cape Town, on day three of the Prince of Wales' visit to South Africa for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Newly engagedShaun Whiteand Nina Dobrev shared a smooch on the Earthshot green carpet, where Dobrev said that the last few days since the announcement have been “magical.”

Of the Earthshot finalists, Dobrev added, “They’re all so unique and they’re so different and they’re all touching the world in helping in their own unique way. But we need all of them. We’re going to give out five awards, but all of the finalists are going to get mentorship and support from the organization. We need this now more than ever. The world is in dire need.”

27of 33Prince William Takes Part in a Power Selfie Onstage at the Earthshot Prize AwardsPrince William, Prince of Wales poses for a selfie with performers and presenters during the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/GettyPrince William poses for a selfie with celebrity guests at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6. Whilegiving remarks onstageat the event, Prince William spoke nine different African languages, a tribute to his love for the continent of Africa. Africa, specifically a 2018 visit there, actually inspired The Earthshot Prize Awards, which he founded two years later in 2020. He remarked on the “sense of optimism” he encountered while visiting six years ago.Of The Earthshot Prize, the Prince of Wales said, “It was an idea that first came to me on African soil. During a trip to Namibia and Tanzania, I was lucky enough to see some of the stunning wildlife that calls this continent home.”At the ceremony, the 2024 winners were announced. In the category Fix Our Climate,Advanced Thermovoltaic Systemswas named the winner. In Revive Our Oceans,High Ambition Coalition for Nature and Peoplewon the award, andKeep IT Cooltook home the prize for Build a Waste-Free World. In the category Protect and Restore Nature,Alytn Dala Conservation Initiativewas named the winner, andGreen Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)won in the Clean Our Air category.

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Prince William Takes Part in a Power Selfie Onstage at the Earthshot Prize Awards

Prince William, Prince of Wales poses for a selfie with performers and presenters during the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Phil Noble-Pool/Getty

Prince William poses for a selfie with celebrity guests at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6. Whilegiving remarks onstageat the event, Prince William spoke nine different African languages, a tribute to his love for the continent of Africa. Africa, specifically a 2018 visit there, actually inspired The Earthshot Prize Awards, which he founded two years later in 2020. He remarked on the “sense of optimism” he encountered while visiting six years ago.

Of The Earthshot Prize, the Prince of Wales said, “It was an idea that first came to me on African soil. During a trip to Namibia and Tanzania, I was lucky enough to see some of the stunning wildlife that calls this continent home.”

At the ceremony, the 2024 winners were announced. In the category Fix Our Climate,Advanced Thermovoltaic Systemswas named the winner. In Revive Our Oceans,High Ambition Coalition for Nature and Peoplewon the award, andKeep IT Cooltook home the prize for Build a Waste-Free World. In the category Protect and Restore Nature,Alytn Dala Conservation Initiativewas named the winner, andGreen Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)won in the Clean Our Air category.

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Prince William Onboard a Lifeboat on His Last Day in Cape Town

Prince William, Prince of Wales onboard the NSRI Lifeboat “Donna Nicholas” to meet with volunteers of the National Seas Rescue Institute during a visit to Simon’s Town Harbour on Nov. 7, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

As he kicked off his final day in Cape Town on Thursday, Nov. 7, Prince William went onboard the National Seas Rescue Institute (NSRI) lifeboat “Donna Nicholas” to meet with volunteers of the NSRI during a visit to Simon’s Town Harbour. He arrived at Kalk Bay via lifeboat, where he met up with Heidi Klum, Winnie Harlow and Billy Porter for a traditional South African barbecue, known as a “braii.”

29of 33Prince William Takes Part in a Supermodel Barbecue with Heidi Klum and Winnie HarlowThe Prince of Wales with Heidi Klum, during his visit to meet local fishermen in Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town, to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Finalist Abalobi, on the last day of his visit to South Africa on Nov. 7, 2024.Aaron Chown/Pool/ShutterstockHeidi Klum and Prince William visited Kalk Bay Harbour in Cape Town on Nov. 7 to highlight 2023 Earthshot finalist Abalobi, which works with small fishing communities to record their catch data and ensure a fair and improved livelihood from sustainable fishing.The organization aims to protect small-scale fishing communities and nurture their ocean stewardship while also keeping their customers appraised with information about the origins and sources of their seafood. William and the rest of the group, which included Winnie Harlow and Billy Porter, were told about sustainable fishing methods and shown the technology used to log and track catches.Klum told PEOPLE at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Nov. 6 that when she was delving “deeper” into The Earthshot Prize “I learned so many new things. Who knew there was sustainable fishing?” she said.“I’m so honored to go with him to this place to learn about sustainable fishing. I knew our waters are overfished and they’re polluted and all of these horrible things. But I didn’t know about sustainable fishing. I love that I get to learn more things and hopefully be better in the future. Also, I love doing my part. We should all do our part,” Klum added.

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Prince William Takes Part in a Supermodel Barbecue with Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow

The Prince of Wales with Heidi Klum, during his visit to meet local fishermen in Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town, to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Finalist Abalobi, on the last day of his visit to South Africa on Nov. 7, 2024.Aaron Chown/Pool/Shutterstock

Aaron Chown/Pool/Shutterstock

Heidi Klum and Prince William visited Kalk Bay Harbour in Cape Town on Nov. 7 to highlight 2023 Earthshot finalist Abalobi, which works with small fishing communities to record their catch data and ensure a fair and improved livelihood from sustainable fishing.

The organization aims to protect small-scale fishing communities and nurture their ocean stewardship while also keeping their customers appraised with information about the origins and sources of their seafood. William and the rest of the group, which included Winnie Harlow and Billy Porter, were told about sustainable fishing methods and shown the technology used to log and track catches.

Klum told PEOPLE at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Nov. 6 that when she was delving “deeper” into The Earthshot Prize “I learned so many new things. Who knew there was sustainable fishing?” she said.

“I’m so honored to go with him to this place to learn about sustainable fishing. I knew our waters are overfished and they’re polluted and all of these horrible things. But I didn’t know about sustainable fishing. I love that I get to learn more things and hopefully be better in the future. Also, I love doing my part. We should all do our part,” Klum added.

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Prince William and Winnie Harlow Chat About The Earthshot Prize

Prince William, Prince of Wales with Winnie Harlow during his visit to meet local fishermen in Kalk Bay Harbour, to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Prize finalists, Abalobi, on Nov. 7, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Prince William and Winnie Harlow chat at the braii on Nov. 7. As Earthshot Week in Cape Town wrapped up, the City of Cape Town announced its intention to reintroduce the Cape Water Lily to wetlands on the Cape Flats in Cape Town. The City of Cape Town said in a release that “Residents of Cape Town will be able to view the Cape Water Lily as they re-establish in our free access nature reserve.”

31of 33Prince William Concludes Earthshot Week in South Africa with Conversations About SeaweedPrince William, Prince of Wales examines products during a visit to meet seaweed businesses from the region to celebrate local innovation and to learn about the potential for it to repair and regenerate the planet at Portside Tower on Nov. 7, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson - Pool/GettyPrince William wrapped up his week in Cape Town at Portside Tower on Nov. 7 with a visit to meet seaweed businesses from the region to celebrate local innovation and learn how seaweed can repair and regenerate the planet.To close the week in South Africa, The Earthshot Prize announced partnerships with Africa Innovation Partnership, Ninety One Accelerator and the new Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fellowship at Gordon Institute of Business Science School (GIBS).“Africa’s been a big part of my life since I’ve been a young boy, since I first came to Africa,” Prince William said on the green carpet at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6. “I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point. And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it’s a really special place, a home from home for me.”

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Prince William Concludes Earthshot Week in South Africa with Conversations About Seaweed

Prince William, Prince of Wales examines products during a visit to meet seaweed businesses from the region to celebrate local innovation and to learn about the potential for it to repair and regenerate the planet at Portside Tower on Nov. 7, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

Prince William wrapped up his week in Cape Town at Portside Tower on Nov. 7 with a visit to meet seaweed businesses from the region to celebrate local innovation and learn how seaweed can repair and regenerate the planet.

To close the week in South Africa, The Earthshot Prize announced partnerships with Africa Innovation Partnership, Ninety One Accelerator and the new Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fellowship at Gordon Institute of Business Science School (GIBS).

“Africa’s been a big part of my life since I’ve been a young boy, since I first came to Africa,” Prince William said on the green carpet at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Nov. 6. “I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point. And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it’s a really special place, a home from home for me.”

32of 33Prince William Onstage at the Earthshot Prize AwardsPrince William, Prince of Wales on stage ahead of the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyPrince William, seen here speaking onstage at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Nov. 6, concluded his trip to South Africa witha powerfully candid interview, during which he said 2024 and the dual cancer diagnoses of both his wife Kate Middleton and father King Charles has been “brutal” and “dreadful.““It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” the Prince of Wales said.“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he continued, adding, “But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

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Prince William Onstage at the Earthshot Prize Awards

Prince William, Prince of Wales on stage ahead of the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

Prince William, seen here speaking onstage at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Nov. 6, concluded his trip to South Africa witha powerfully candid interview, during which he said 2024 and the dual cancer diagnoses of both his wife Kate Middleton and father King Charles has been “brutal” and “dreadful.”

“It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” the Prince of Wales said.

“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he continued, adding, “But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

33of 33Behind the Scenes at the Big ShowPrince William, Prince of Wales walks on stage at the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/GettyIn his Nov. 7 interview, Prince William said that Princess Kate is “doing well,” and, after being told he looked relaxed, added, “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting you’re all seeing that.”“But it’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” William said. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too.”In a lighter moment in the interview, the future king mentioned that his daughterPrince Charlotteinitially wasn’t a fan of his new beard, which he debuted over the summer.“Charlotte didn’t like it the first time,” the future king said. “I got floods of tears, the first one I got tears, so I have to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”

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Behind the Scenes at the Big Show

Prince William, Prince of Wales walks on stage at the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.Chris Jackson/Getty

In his Nov. 7 interview, Prince William said that Princess Kate is “doing well,” and, after being told he looked relaxed, added, “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting you’re all seeing that.”

“But it’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” William said. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too.”

In a lighter moment in the interview, the future king mentioned that his daughterPrince Charlotteinitially wasn’t a fan of his new beard, which he debuted over the summer.

“Charlotte didn’t like it the first time,” the future king said. “I got floods of tears, the first one I got tears, so I have to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”

source: people.com