Prince William visits South Africa for Earthshot Prize

Britain's Prince William began a four-day trip to South Africa by meeting young environmentalists in Cape Town.

The trip is centered on William's annual Earthshot Prize, which will be awarded to five winners who will receive 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) each to pursue innovative projects addressing environmental issues.

In his first engagement the 42-year-old prince met with 120 young environmentalists from Africa and Asia who are taking part in a new programme for youth leaders that accompanies the prize.

Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020, inspired by a visit to Namibia. Its name is a nod to former US President John F. Kennedy's ambitious "moonshot" project which led to the 1969 lunar landing.

The Prince Of Wales is making the trip alone as his wife Kate is still managing a return to work after finishing a course of preventive chemotherapy for cancer.

During his visit, his first to South Africa since 2010, William will also attend a global wildlife summit and will meet President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Britain's Prince William met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at his official residence in Cape Town, ahead of the annual Earthshot Awards Ceremony.

William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020, inspired by a visit to Namibia. Its name is a nod to former US President John F. Kennedy's ambitious "moonshot" project which led to the 1969 lunar landing.

The Prince of Wales is making the trip alone as his wife Kate is still managing a return to work after finishing a course of preventive chemotherapy for cancer.

“The President and Prince William held discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest. The visit of William is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” the presidency said in a brief statement posted on its official X account.