Prince William spoke honestly about the positive impact of environmental action during a business forum for The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife on June 22, 2026. The event was held as part of London Climate Action Week and brought together several popular figures alongside the Prince of Wales, including Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch. During the discussion, the father of two explained that his Earthshot Prize initiative gives him confidence that meaningful progress is being made on environmental issues. He revealed that seeing these solutions helped him “sleep at night.”
The Prince of Wales said his Earthshot Prize helps “keep my environmental anxiety at bay” and “helps me sleep at night” because it leaves him feeling that “we can do this” and reverse the horrors of climate change.
He made the comments at a business forum for The Royal… pic.twitter.com/9mkXMWRCrY
— Emily Ferguson (@emilyinpalace) June 22, 2026
According to PEOPLE, Prince William told attendees that the Earthshot Prize helps him manage his environmental concerns, as it lets him see real change taking place. The royal also acknowledged that important decisions will need to be made after the project’s planned conclusion in 2030, but affirmed that the initiative continues to inspire hope. During the event, he also spoke with former United States vice president Al Gore and emphasized that innovation and collaboration are already producing tangible benefits for the planet.
The Prince of Wales told the vice president that the Earthshot Prize “keeps my environmental anxiety at bay because I can actually see some of the things we are doing are bringing change. We can do this. There are actually tangible benefits, and it helps me sleep at night.”
Prince William has often talked about these issues with his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. He previously explained that he wants his kids to feel hopeful about the future rather than overwhelmed by environmental challenges. The father of three and husband to Princess Kate Middleton revealed he transmits this positive mindset to his kids before they go to sleep:
“You have to provide leadership and a vision that there’s good things to come and that it’s not all negative, and for my children, particularly, knowing the planet’s going to be in a healthier, better state because of the brilliant people in this room is something that I love to tell them when they go to bed.”
Championing climate innovation and global partnerships at The Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly in London pic.twitter.com/b49kShyKnn
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 23, 2026
The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020, awards funding and support to individuals and organizations developing solutions in five environmental categories (each winner receives $1.4 million to support their initiatives). Meanwhile, William’s appearance at the event came one day after he celebrated both Father’s Day and his 44th birthday on June 21, receiving congratulatory messages and well-wishes from his family and royal fans.
