Prince William calls for the world to 'act with urgency' to save the oceans in landmark speech

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Prince William today called for the world to 'act with urgency' in a landmark speech as he attended a forum in Monaco. 

The Prince of Wales, 42, was speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) on ocean preservation at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Sunday.

Dressed in a smart navy suit and recycled tie from Wilmok, William appeared in great spirits as he greeted Prince Albert of Monaco, 67, and shook his hand. 

Later, he took to the podium to urge the world to act to save the oceans as the 'clock is ticking', telling his audience: 'If we save the sea, we save the world.'

The prince, whose opening and closing remarks were in French, urged world leaders to 'think big' after meeting French president Emmanuel Macron. 

Speaking to an auditorium of 1,800 people, William said: '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 three billion people.

'And today, they need our help.

'Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems and on the people and communities who depend most upon them.

Prince William called for the world to 'act with urgency' in a landmark speech as he attended a forum in Monaco today

'What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted. And we are all responsible for change – both negative and positive.

'But there remains time to turn this tide.'

William is a keen supporter of the environment, having launched The Earthshot Prize back in 2020, which the aim to support ideas that help to protect the planet. 

A nod to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy's 'moonshot' project which led to the 1969 lunar landing, its goal is to find innovations to combat climate and other green issues, and awards five winners £1million each to drive their projects.

In March this year, The Sunday Times revealed that William wants to move away from 'ribbon cutting' to focus on work with tangible impact, including his environmental campaigns and work to prevent homelessness.

The prince said the 'clock is ticking' to meet the target agreed at the UN Biodiversity Summit in 2022 aiming to protect at least 30 per cent of the world's land and sea by 2030.

In his speech today, William said: 'The Earthshot Prize is here to demonstrate that humanity does have the tools needed. But the brilliant minds behind these inspiring solutions cannot do it alone.

'They need scaling, support and investment to reach their potential. And they need to be backed by ambitious action on a global, national and local level. Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions.

Prince William has joined Prince Albert of Monaco as he touched down in the south of France to attend a forum in a bid to help the world's oceans

France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Britain's Prince William

The Prince of Wales, 42, was speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Sunday

During his speech, he urged for the world to come together to save both the sea and the world

Prince William, Prince of Wales, arrives at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and Britain's Prince William

'Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.

'For the future of our planet. For the future generations. We must listen to the words of Sir David Attenborough: 'If we save the sea, we save our world.'

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'There should be no doubt that this speech is The Prince of Wales calling for action to save our oceans now. The world is watching.

'This is him using his platform to call for more to be done sooner rather than later.'

William was also joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and Prince Albert of Monaco. 

He has previously worked with Albert after joining forces at the Earthshot Summit in 2023.

In January, both royals attended the Aston Villa v Monaco Champions League football match - though were supporting opposing sides. 

As he arrived at the forum, a journalist shouted to the Prince asking whether he was excited to go to Brazil, to which William replied: "Yes".

William and Albert (pictured) have worked together previously for the Earthshot Prize

During his visit, William is set to give a 'landmark speech' to call for more to be done to protect the oceans

The Forum is organised by the Government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with support from France and Costa Rica. 

It brings together business leaders, government representatives, multilateral institutions and stakeholders committed to restoring the health of the oceans.

The event focuses on ocean preservation and aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and regenerative blue economy. 

During his visit, William met with finalists, winners and key partners of The Earthshot Prize, showcasing innovative solutions that have the power to reverse damage caused to the oceans and preserve it for future generations. 

Kensington Palace said the finalists and winners had showcased "innovative solutions that have the potential to reverse the damage caused to the oceans and that can preserve it for future generations".

William met Sam Teicher from Coral Vita, a 2021 winner, which works to restore coral reefs by growing coral on land to replant in oceans and Jennifer Koepke from WildAid, a 2023 winner, which scales marine enforcement to end illegal fishing and strengthen ocean conservation.

Dressed in a smart navy suit and tie, William appeared in great spirits

William also met 2022 finalist Nick Wilson, whose entry was the Great Bubble Barrier, which works to prevent plastic pollution by intercepting waste before it reaches the ocean, and 2024 finalist Nicholas Hill from Coast 4C, which connects investment in coastal agriculture with conservation through the farming of regenerative seaweed.

Each year five winners are awarded the Earthshot Prize from a shortlist of 15.

The BEFF is organised by the government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with support from France and Costa Rica.

The forum is a UN Ocean Conference special event and aims to contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goal 14 to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development".

France is hosting the UN Ocean Conference from June 9 to June 13 in nearby Nice.

The King is due to host Mr Macron on a state visit by the French leader and his wife Brigitte Macron from July 8-10.

The French president will stay at Windsor Castle and be hosted at a state banquet at the historic Berkshire royal residence during his stay.

The Prince of Wales is also marking World Oceans Day this year with an interview with Sir David Attenborough ahead of the release of his new documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough.

Prince William met with winners of his Earthshot Prize during the economy and finance forum today

Kensington Palace has released a new film of Prince William and the 99-year-old broadcaster and environmental activist, which sees the pair discussing the current state of the oceans.

David's new documentary is set to release on Sunday, which is World Oceans Day. The film has been created to shine a light on the damage humankind has wreaked on the ocean, as well as the opportunities we have to heal it.

In their conversation, William and David spoke of the legendary biologist's work in ocean exploration, as well as reasons to remain optimistic for ocean recovery.

At the start of the short film, David recalled the first time he ever put on a diving helmet - and nearly drowned as it filled with water.

'I suddenly felt water coming up,' he said, gesturing around his chin to show where the water level rose to inside the helmet when he first went underwater.

'I thought, 'This can't be right'. And by the time it got to about here,' he said, gesturing to his nose, 'I thought, 'I'm sure this is not right'.

'And of course if you've got this thing screwed on top of you, you can't breathe. You can't even make yourself heard, you know. Get it off me!'

Yesterday, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in welcoming France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron on their state visit to the country on Saturday 7 June.

The trip was historic for more than one reason. It marks the first visit to Monaco by a French president since François Mitterrand made his journey there in 1984.

It was also the first time that 10-year-old royal twins had played a prominent, public role in a state visit.

Jacques and Gabriella stood alongside their parents while awaiting the Macrons' arrival at the Prince's Palace in Monaco.

The Prince of Wales and Sir David Attenborough have released a short film ahead of the premiere of Ocean with David Attenborough on World Oceans Day

Yesterday, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in welcoming France 's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron on their state visit to the country on Saturday 7 June

It was also the first time that 10-year-old royal twins had played a prominent, public role in a state visit

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene attended a state dinner with the Macrons in the evening

The young prince, dressed in a smart navy suit and a printed tie, appeared serious as he stood between his parents, while Gabriella wore a cream-coloured dress with cap sleeves and matching Mary Jane shoes while carrying a small bouquet of flowers.

Gabriella was tasked with presenting the bouquet to Brigitte, who gave her a kiss on the cheek in thanks.

Albert donned a slightly brighter blue suit compared to his son's, paired with a baby blue tie.

Charlene, who is usually known for her glamorous sense of style, cut a more casual figure but was nonetheless chic in her Dior jacket and white straight-cut tailored trousers.

The royal family posed for photographs with Macron and Brigitte as the couple's two-day visit got underway. 

In a Facebook post detailing part of the Macrons' itinerary, the Prince's Palace of Monaco said Charlene took Brigitte for a private stroll around the palace gardens, where they 'shared a moment of sincere exchange, marked by deep kindness and shared commitments to youth'.

The two women were joined by Jacques and Gabrielle, who brought their 'relaxed and lively presence' to the scenic walk and reinforced 'direct, human ties that unite France and Monaco from generation to generation', according to the palace.

Macron and Brigitte also received traditional military honours from Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in a ceremony at the palace.