CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Kicking off his South African visit with a dynamic blend of activism and play, Britain’s Prince William met with young environmentalists and joined a lively rugby session at a Cape Town high school on Monday. The prince’s four-day stay aims to spotlight climate action and conservation, underscoring his commitment to finding practical solutions for the planet’s urgent environmental challenges.
William’s first engagement brought him face-to-face with over 100 young eco-leaders, aged 18 to 35, who gathered in small groups to brainstorm solutions to pressing climate issues. Moving from group to group, the Prince of Wales shared words of encouragement and listened intently. “You are the leaders. You will make the difference going forward,” he told them. His message was clear: young innovators are vital to the future of environmental conservation.
A highlight of the tour is Wednesday’s Earthshot Prize ceremony, where $1.2 million in grants will be awarded to five groundbreaking environmental projects. The event will take place in a striking 470-foot reusable dome, symbolizing sustainability, which will be dismantled and reused post-ceremony. William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to fuel fresh, bold ideas for a sustainable future, and this marks the fourth annual ceremony following previous events in the U.K., U.S., and Singapore.
While the Earthshot Prize takes center stage, William’s schedule includes diverse activities that reflect his broader environmental and humanitarian interests. He will attend a global wildlife summit, visit Cape Town’s lush botanical gardens on Table Mountain, connect with a local fishing community, and spend time with a sea rescue team.
A spirited rugby session in Cape Town’s Ocean View neighborhood added a playful twist to William’s tour. Dressed in a dark suit and gray shirt, the prince joined schoolchildren in passing, kicking, and tackling on the rugby field. South African rugby champions cheered on the sidelines, adding to the day’s excitement. Rugby is a passion shared between South Africa, the reigning world champions, and William, a lifelong fan.
William’s connection to Africa runs deep, stretching back to childhood trips after the tragic passing of his mother, Princess Diana, and the moment he proposed to his wife, Kate, in Kenya in 2010. Ahead of his visit, he said, “Africa has always held a special place in my heart as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager… and most recently, as the founding inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize.”
Princess Kate and their three children are absent on this trip, as Kate recently resumed public engagements after completing treatment for an undisclosed health condition. This visit also comes shortly after William’s brother, Prince Harry, toured South Africa and Lesotho for a youth-focused charity event.
The prince’s activities reflect a strong commitment to his environmental mission, but his visit has also sparked fresh scrutiny over royal finances. A recent investigation revealed that private estates linked to William and his father, King Charles III, have generated significant revenue through property rentals to government bodies. Both estates responded by emphasizing a commitment to transparency and positive social impact.
Prince William’s South Africa tour remains firmly focused on environmental advocacy and his vision of empowering young leaders to tackle the world’s most urgent ecological issues. His engagement with young environmentalists, his passion for sport, and his ongoing dedication to conservation serve as a powerful call to action for sustainable change.
