Prince William.Photo: TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Prince Williamis speaking out about a cause close to heart — just two days after the royal family buriedQueen Elizabeth.
The newPrince of Wales, 40, addressed theEarthshot Prize Innovation Summitin New York City on Wednesday via video.
“Although it is the saddest of circumstances that means I cannot join you in person today, I am pleased to join you in video form as you gather in New York for the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit,“Prince Williamsaid. “During this time of grief, I take great comfort in your continued enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to the Earthshot Prize and what we are trying to achieve.”
“Protecting the environment was a cause close to my grandmother’s heart, and I know she would have been delighted to hear about this event and the support you’re all giving our Earthshot finalists, the next generation of environmental pioneers.”
Prince Williamsaid that although the world is an “uncertain place right now,” there is “huge reason to be optimistic.”
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“The 2021 cohort of Earthshot Winners and Finalists is evidence that we can succeed,” he said. “That we can protect our world for our children, our grandchildren and the generations that will follow them. These pioneers exemplify the leadership needed in this decade of change. They include inspiring activists, brilliant innovators, a forward-thinking city and even an entire country making a real difference. But they cannot do it alone. This must be a team effort.”
Queen Rania of Jordan also paid tribute toQueen Elizabethafter attending the funeral on Monday.
“I want to thank the Prince of Wales for his leadership and vision, which he is always committed to seeing through, much like his late grandmotherQueen Elizabeth, who was a passionate advocate for combating climate change,” Rania said. “She set the bar incredibly high with her deep sense of duty and resilience. May she rest in eternal peace.”
Prince Williamhad originally been set to attend the meetingin personto kick off the countdown to the second annual environmental awards, which aim to promote impactful approaches to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The Earthshot Prize awards ceremony is set to be held in Boston in December.
The royal’splansfor the summit changed following the death of his beloved grandmother on September 8. One week later, Buckingham PalaceconfirmedthatPrince Williamwould not be attending the kickoff event.
Ian Vogler - Pool/Getty
Queen Elizabethwas interred in theKing George VI Memorial Chapelof St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Monday evening, and the royal family will remain in mourning until one week after the funeral, per the wishes ofKing Charles III.
The Earthshot Prize andBloomberg Philanthropiesco-hosted the summit, where inaugural finalists and winners of last year’s Earthshot Prize gathered. It will enable last year’s successful entrants to share updates on how they’re making a difference since winning the $1 million prize.
After previously announcing that the second Earthshot Prize awards ceremonywould commence in the U.S.,the Prince and Princess of Wales revealed the exact location on Twitter in July.
“In 2022, we’re back and bringing Earthshot to the U.S.A., where we’ll award the next five winners of the Prize,” William, who launched the global environment awards in October 2020, said in a social media video.
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation serves as a host partner alongside Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston.
Prince William.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty
Fittingly, the announcement that the second awards ceremony will be held in Massachusetts came on the 53rd anniversary of the moon landing.
source: people.com
