Prince William and actress Hannah Waddingham have teamed up to promote The Earthshot Report, a documentary showcasing the groundbreaking environmental initiatives fostered by the Earthshot Prize. The film, hosted by Hannah Waddingham, features a special introduction by Prince William, highlighting stories of innovation from around the world.
Set to air on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK on December 15 at 5 PM GMT and on PBS in the US on December 18 at 8 PM ET, the documentary sheds light on the competition’s achievements since its inception in 2020. With a focus on “urgent optimism,” the program explores how global communities and individuals are working to protect the environment.
Playful Collaboration
Ahead of the documentary’s release, Prince William and Hannah Waddingham filmed a promotional short at Alexandra Palace in North London, a site of historical significance to the Earthshot Prize. The venue hosted the first-ever Earthshot Prize awards in 2021.
The short film begins with Waddingham greeting William at the palace, saying with a smile, “Welcome to my palace! Shall we go in and have a look and cause some mischief?” William, 42, responds enthusiastically, setting the tone for their light-hearted interaction.
Inside, with the World Darts Championships looming, the duo engaged in a friendly darts competition accompanied by a round of beers at the venue’s bar. They toasted with pints, blending casual camaraderie with meaningful conversations about the Earthshot Prize’s vision.
Friendly Darts Competition
During the game, Hannah Waddingham, 50, humorously expressed her nervousness about playing darts with a future king. “I’m feeling equal joy and terror about playing darts with you, you know, the future King of England,” she joked.
William, ever the gentleman, invited her to go first, observing with mock seriousness, “I think ladies first so I can see what I’m up against.”
Despite her confidence, Waddingham’s first dart sailed well above the board, sparking laughter. When it was William’s turn, he managed three solid hits, much to Waddingham’s playful annoyance. “I’m immediately furious!” she exclaimed with a laugh.
The lighthearted competition continued, interspersed with conversations about the Earthshot Prize. When discussing his children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, William emphasized the importance of connecting with nature. “It’s important that they see, touch, feel, and experience nature. It’s very hard for anyone to understand what’s the point of protecting it if you’ve never used it,” he shared.
The Earthshot Prize Impact
The Earthshot Prize was established in 2020 to foster environmental innovation. Since its launch, it has awarded $25 million in prize money and mobilized over $108 million in support for projects worldwide. The initiative has achieved remarkable milestones, such as reducing emissions equivalent to removing 100,000 cars from the road for a year and protecting critical ecosystems.
In The Earthshot Report, William describes the initiative as a “dating app” for connecting innovators with opportunities. The film explores stories of finalists and winners from regions like South America, Africa, and the United Kingdom, showcasing their groundbreaking contributions to environmental preservation.
The Prince of Wales reiterated his optimism for the future, stating, “Now, in 2024, individuals, communities, and nations are innovating like never before. More and more people are joining the journey to protect the future of our planet.”
Global Collaboration
Prince William’s commitment to the Earthshot Prize was evident during his recent trip to Cape Town, South Africa, in early November. The city hosted the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards in an eco-dome, where William celebrated the achievements of innovators alongside celebrities like Heidi Klum and Nina Dobrev.
The Earthshot Prize continues to inspire action and collaboration on a global scale, proving that collective efforts can lead to extraordinary change.
For more updates on environmental innovations and the Earthshot Prize, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: Kensington Palace, BBC One, PBS
