The Prince of Wales stays focused on his environmental mission following the death of a close university friend.
Prince William pressed ahead with his royal duties in Brazil this week, delivering a heartfelt and determined speech despite receiving heartbreaking personal news. The Prince of Wales addressed the United for Wildlife conference on Tuesday, just days after learning that a 45-year-old friend from university had died following a fall from a London hotel rooftop. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Undeterred by the loss, William spoke with conviction as he highlighted urgent global issues and announced a major new conservation initiative. Kensington Palace later shared details from his speech, revealing a partnership between the Royal Foundation, the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon, and The Podaali Fund — the first Indigenous-led fund dedicated to protecting the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
The initiative aims to support Indigenous communities, local residents, and environmental defenders facing increasing threats, violence, and intimidation. “This partnership will be guided by Indigenous leadership, delivered through Indigenous mechanisms, and focused on those most at risk,” William said. “Because only by working together can we protect those protecting the future of our planet’s ecosystems.”
Often described as the lungs of the planet, the Amazon rainforest has been under severe strain due to deforestation, wildfires, and the effects of climate change. William used his platform to call for urgent action against environmental crimes and to support those risking their lives to protect the land.
“We must recognise and celebrate these protectors not just in words but through our actions,” he concluded. “And we must act together.”
