Robert Irwin Announces New Role with Prince William's Earthshot Prize: 'A Beacon of Hope'

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert Irwin and Prince William.Photo:Jono Searle/Getty; Chris Jackson/Getty

Jono Searle/Getty; Chris Jackson/Getty

The conservationist has been named a Global Ambassador for Prince William’sEarthshot Prize, marking the latest step in his ongoing support for the initiative that seeks solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Last year, Irwin, 20, participated in the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Singapore and has been a vocal advocate for the initiative since its inception. Now, he joins South African actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha as one of the inaugural Earthshot Global Ambassadors, working to amplify the prize’s mission even further.

Prince William greets Robert Irwin at the ceremony in Singapore in Nov. 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

Prince William’s Earthshot Prize seeks to recognize groundbreaking ideas and innovations to heal the planet, awarding leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses in five key categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

Irwin said in a statement that he was “honored to join Nomzamo . . . to help place a brighter spotlight on the inspiring changemakers saving the planet.”

He added, “The Earthshot Prize is a beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment and about our ability to ensure a livable future for ourselves and future generations. Healthy oceans, ecosystems, and species equal a healthy planet, and The Earthshot Prize recognizes the importance of investing in and helping grow solutions that protect these critical resources. I’m honored to join Nomzamo as the first Earthshot Global Ambassadors to help place a brighter spotlight on the inspiring changemakers saving the planet.”

Prince William at an Earthshot Prize event in London in June 2024.Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Last year, while supporting the thirdEarthshot Prize ceremony in Singapore, Irwin expressed his deep admiration for Prince William, 42, telling PEOPLE: “It’s hard to put into words just how massive Earthshot is for wildlife conservation, for climate action, for the world. For Prince William, who has such a great platform, to lend his voice, his resources into creating positive change is such a refreshing, wonderful thing to see. I applaud what he is doing.”

Their involvement coincides with the Earthshot Prize’s announcement of new additions to its expanded council, which will help select this year’s winners. Joining the council are humanitarian and restaurateur José Andrés, environmentalist and activist Wanjira Mathai, and indigenous activist and author Nemonte Nenquimo. They will work alongside Prince William and existing members, including Queen Rania of Jordan, actress Cate Blanchett, broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough, business leader Indra Nooyi, and designer Stella McCartney.

Hannah Waddingham, left, Hannah Jones, Earthshot Prize Chief Executive, and investor Tokunboh Ishmael during a panel session with Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Camp in June, 2024.Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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The upcoming Earthshot Prize ceremony will take place inCape Town, South Africa, this November. The event will award $1.3 million to organizations or individuals with innovative solutions to address the planet’s most pressing challenges, providing them with the support needed to scale their ideas

source: people.com