The Prince of Wales honours African languages and praises local conservation efforts during the 4th annual ceremony.
Prince William delivered a moving and powerful speech at the fourth Earthshot Prize Award ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday, offering a heartfelt nod to the African continent. The Prince of Wales opened his address with greetings in nine languages, representing the diverse regions of North, East, West, and Southern Africa.
William expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received, remarking on the “generous welcome” during his visit. He shared his vision of championing innovative solutions, likening it to the spirit that put a man on the moon within a decade.
Reflecting on his travels to Namibia and Tanzania, William highlighted the beauty of Africa’s wildlife and the impressive conservation efforts he witnessed. “What really struck me was the incredible impact local people were having on their environment,” he said. “Thanks to their ingenuity and creativity, biodiversity was returning, animals were being protected, and jobs were being created.”
The Prince acknowledged the dedication of those tackling environmental challenges, but noted the need for greater support to scale their solutions globally. “I saw first-hand the extent to which people were dedicating their time, talent, and vision,” he said. “I believe our world can be rich in possibility, in hope, and in optimism.”
Concluding his speech, William offered a final tribute to Africa, thanking the audience in multiple African languages: “Dankie, Enkosi, Daalu, Asante, Thank you.”
