Prince William speaks at the 11th annual Tusk Conservation Awards (Image: Victoria Jones/Pool via AP)
Prince William, 42, met Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, 77, and the lead guitarist from rock band Dire Straits Mark Knopfler OBE, 75, at the Savoy Hotel to celebrate the achievements of leading African conservations at the 12th annual awards ceremony.
The legendary musicians are key supporters and ambassadors of Tusk.
In a short speech, William hailed this year’s winners for their “unwavering dedication to protect Africa’s natural world” in the face of multiple challenges.
“Tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face terrifying environmental concerns from climate change and habitat destruction to the exploitation of natural resources and an alarming downward trend in global biodiversity,” he said.
Ronnie Wood and Prince William (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Tusk)
“Rainforests the size of countries are disappearing. And one million species are at risk of extinction mostly due to human activity.
“Now is the time to support those globally that work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature, we must invest in the natural world around us and understand the value it has for us all, both now and in the future.”
The prince added that the insight and knowledge of the winners should “guide and inspire us all to drive change”.
Tusk Award winners highlight the importance of collaboration in effective conservation and have shared their expertise and knowledge to drive vital change in tackling issues such as the illegal wildlife trade and climate change.
As Royal Patron of Tusk, the future King presented the Award for Conservation in Africa, The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award.
He spoke of those who have paid “the ultimate price” by working on frontline conservation and once again mentioned the murder of Anton Mzimba in South Africa.
The ranger, who had met the prince, was killed by poachers in front of his wife in July 2022 and William spoke about him on his recent trip to South Africa.
Prince William presents the Wildlife Ranger award to Jealous Mpofu (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Tusk)
William concluded his speech with a personal touch, telling guests: “I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia.”
William has long been a supporter of the charity’s efforts for wildlife conservation and during his trip to Cape Town earlier this month he unveiled a new initiative designed to improve the welfare support for rangers, by providing accident, medical and life insurance, as well as mentorship.
Over the past 12 years, the awards have recognised dedicated, forward-thinking individuals who are conservation leaders and wildlife rangers across Africa.
Each winner received a trophy and significant funding to continue their work.
It marks the Prince’s third engagement this week after he visited the Welsh Guards on Tuesday and attended the Jewel of Arabia Expedition on Monday.