A true Rugby fan, Prince William did not hesitate to wrinkle his shirt for a game of oval ball. Arriving in South Africa on Monday for a four-day visit, on the occasion of the Earthshot Prize, the Prince of Wales went to meet schoolchildren in the Ocean View district in Cape Town. The royal boss of the Welsh Rugby Federation showed his agility on the pitch.
Forgetting protocol, the schoolchildren did not spare the prince. In a suit and sneakers, and an eco-responsible shirt (signed Ecoalf, as Kensington Palace was keen to point out), the 42-year-old Briton took full part in the match. Ball exchanges in which two Springbok stars also participated: Tendai Mtawarira and Percy Montgomery.
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In addition to this training session illustrating the importance of sport and rugby for young South Africans, Prince William was able to discover the Atlas DigiBus, a bus converted into a digital classroom for schoolchildren. Kate Middleton's husband then went to meet rangers and conservationists at Signal Hill, the hill overlooking the city of Cape Town.
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Earlier Monday, on a rooftop terrace in the city, William began his day with a meeting with 120 young people committed to environmental protection and members of the Earthshort program that he founded in 2020. Aged 18 at 35, they come from South Africa but also from South-East Asia.
The 4th edition of the Earthshot Prize
Highlight of this trip to South Africa, which he is making without his wife Kate Middleton, who continues to recover from her cancer treatment, William will attend the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Wednesday evening. After the prince and his guests appear on the “green carpet”, the evening will be hosted by Nigerian presenter Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and South African rapper Moozlie.
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Previous editions of the prize were held in London in 2021, then in New York, Boston and Singapore. Actress Cate Blanchett then made the trip for the last edition.
Each year, the Earthshot Prize – founded by Prince William and the famous biologist David Attenborough – rewards five young people for their commitment to the environment. Different categories are represented: restoration and protection of nature, clean air, revitalization of the oceans, living without waste and climate action. Each winner receives a grant of one million pounds sterling (just over one million euros) to continue their work.
