Prince William and Prince Albert of Monaco join forces

Prince William and Prince Albert of Monaco joined forces at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco.

The Prince of Wales travelled to Monaco for the event at the Grimaldi Forum on Sunday, 8 June. He participated in his role as founder and President of The Earthshot Prize.

William joined Prince Albert II of Monaco, another royal environmentalist, for the event that brought together business leaders, government representatives, multilateral institutions and stakeholders working to protect and restore the oceans.

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also attended the forum to mark World Oceans Day.

The Prince of Wales pictured with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Prince William addressed the assembly to speak about the importance of restoring the oceans for the sake of humanity.

“The truth is that healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate our climate and provide food for more than 3 billion people,” he said.

The heir to the British throne spoke on climate change and the role it has played in diminishing the oceans, and he asked the world to come together to protect them.

William with Prince Albert of Monaco and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

He said: ‘Together, we have signed up to an ambitious global commitment to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. It is our best chance of reversing the damage done to our planet and restoring its well-being. But the clock is ticking. 2030 is fast approaching, and only 17% of land and just 3% of the ocean has been fully protected. If we are to reach our goal, we urgently need to take bold action to protect and restore our planet.”

He concluded by quoting Sir David Attenborough, a renowned biologist, “If we save the sea, we save our world.”

The Prince of Wales also met the winners, finalists and key partners of the Earthshot Prize.