**Prince William Sends Unexpected Radio Message to Champion Earthshot Prize**
Listeners of BBC Radio 2’s popular Scott Mills Breakfast Show were left pleasantly surprised on Tuesday morning, as the Prince of Wales made an unscheduled appearance—albeit in digital form. Prince William, unable to join the broadcast in person, left a voice message highlighting the importance of the Earthshot Prize, the global environmental award scheme he both founded and presides over.
The purpose of the prince’s message was clear: to shine a light on the Earthshot Prize and its forthcoming ceremony in Brazil. The prize, established in 2020, seeks to find and reward innovative solutions to help repair and protect the planet. By speaking directly to the nation’s airwaves, Prince William demonstrated a personal commitment to the cause, leveraging his royal platform to boost awareness.
The segment also featured Robert Irwin, the well-known wildlife conservationist and son of the iconic Steve Irwin. Irwin, who joined Mills in the studio, fielded charming animal-themed voicenotes from young listeners. Towards the end of the show, Mills suggested there was one final message to play—a message that, to Irwin’s shock, turned out to be from royalty itself.
In his recorded greeting, Prince William adopted an informal tone, opening with, “Good morning, Scott, or should I say G’day, Scott? I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. Sorry, I can’t be with you both this morning, hoping to catch up with you soon.” His playful introduction underscored a friendly rapport not just with the show’s hosts, but also with Irwin, whose conservation efforts have earned international recognition.
The prince made a special point to invite both Mills and Irwin to the upcoming Earthshot Prize awards in Rio de Janeiro, which are scheduled to take place in November. He praised the event’s location, stating, “You’re very much invited to the Earthshot Prize in Rio in Brazil in November. It’s going to be a fantastic event, great show.” The Amazon rainforest and Brazil’s ecological significance make it a fitting host for this global initiative. According to the Earthshot Prize website, Brazil holds more than half of the Amazon rainforest and nearly a fifth of the world’s biodiversity—a symbolism not lost on conservationists and the environmental community.
Adding a light-hearted touch, Prince William warned Mills about Irwin’s penchant for bringing unexpected wildlife into interviews. “Just beware, Scott, that Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets… So just watch your back at all times that a tarantula or something doesn’t suddenly pop onto your desk.” The jovial mention prompted genuine laughter from Irwin, who is himself an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.
Irwin used the platform to discuss his ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation, reflecting on his father’s enduring legacy. He expressed his honour at continuing to promote the Earthshot Prize’s vital mission and voiced his optimism about the future of environmental activism.
Each year, the Earthshot Prize awards five winners chosen from a shortlist of fifteen, acknowledging projects and individuals making significant strides in environmental repair. The anticipation for 2025’s ceremony in Rio is building, with environmentalists and innovators worldwide watching keenly.
Prince William’s outreach via mainstream media like Radio 2 signals a modern approach by the Royal Family, bridging tradition and contemporary communication. By engaging with diverse audiences and encouraging broad participation in environmental efforts, the Earthshot Prize is cementing itself as a standard-bearer for global sustainability.
As preparations for November’s event continue, many will await further updates from the prince, the environmental community, and the important work being carried out by Earthshot Prize ambassadors around the world.