Prince William has played a pivotal role in advancing global wildlife and conservation efforts.
He launched the Earthshot Prize, a groundbreaking international environmental award, and launched the United for Wildlife initiative to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking. He has also introduced a welfare programme for rangers and co-produced the documentary series Guardians alongside his mentor, David Attenborough.
What has Prince William done for conservation and wildlife?
The Earthshot Prize
Launched in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to identify and fund innovative solutions to the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s “Moonshot,” it offers substantial financial awards to projects that can drive meaningful, global change.
United for Wildlife
Prince William’s United for Wildlife initiative unites international financial institutions, transport sectors and law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal networks behind poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Ranger welfare
Recognising the dangers faced by frontline conservationists, United for Wildlife launched The Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative in 2024. The initiative introduced life insurance coverage and welfare support for rangers in Africa, helping safeguard their livelihoods while enhancing working conditions.
Wildlife documentaries
Through the documentary series Guardians, Prince William highlights the vital work of wildlife rangers around the world. The project, inspired by David Attenborough, showcases the dedication and challenges of those protecting endangered species in their communities. He has also appeared on BBC Countryfile.
Are Prince William and Sir David Attenborough friends?
The Prince of Wales has called Sir David Attenborough a "big inspiration" during his childhood and cites him as the driving force behind his wildlife documentary Guardians. Prince William has attended screenings of Attenborough's documentaries privately, and the broadcaster has supported The Earthshot Prize. But William isn't the only one in the family who admires Attenborough's work: King Charles III first met the broadcaster (and his pet cockatoo) when he visited the BBC studios as a child. The King has also attended screenings of Attenborough's documentaries.
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Main image: Earthshot Prize Youth Programme member A'aron John (L), Earthshot Prize Trustee 'Tokunboh Ishmael (R) and Prince William (C), Prince of Wales, take part in a panel discussion at Earthshot+ in Cape Town on 5 November, 2024. Credit: Gianluigi Guercia/ POOL/AFP via Getty