Prince William wrapped up his South Africa visit with a picturesque barbecue by the sea, hosting an array of notable guests.
Among them was renowned model and television presenter Heidi Klum, who joined him to delve into the crucial topic of sustainable fishing.
The gathering took place in the charming Kalk Bay Harbor, where they shared a meal while discussing the upcoming Earthshot Prize Awards set for November 6.
Arriving at Kalk Bay via lifeboat, Prince William had earlier engaged with courageous members of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
His arrival sparked excitement among the local crowd, prompting an impromptu walkabout where he mingled with hundreds of residents, stopping to chat and smile at those gathered around the vibrant fishermen's stalls.
Among the locals was Kate Wardle, 47, who presented the prince with handmade beaded keyrings that featured the initials of William and his wife, Catherine, along with three special pieces for their children.
“He expressed his gratitude and said, ‘never go home empty-handed!'” she recounted with delight.
Wardle described William as approachable and genuine, appreciating his presence despite what must have been a tiring week.
“It means so much to us here in Kalk Bay,” she added, reflecting the heartfelt connection felt by the community during his visit.
Nearby, 21-year-old Chene Bobha echoed similar sentiments, noting how William was “such a sweetheart.” She shared a brief exchange where the prince thanked her for wishing his wife well, highlighting his warm demeanor during the interaction.
As the gathering continued, the prince made sure to engage with everyone, even joking with a young admirer who claimed to have previously shaken his hand.
“I never forget a face,” he laughed, showcasing his down-to-earth charm.
The purpose of this seaside event was to spotlight the contributions of Abalobi, an organization dedicated to supporting small fishing communities by helping them manage and log their catch data sustainably.
This initiative not only seeks to enhance the livelihoods of these communities but also promotes responsible ocean stewardship.
During their time at the harbor, attendees learned about innovative fishing techniques and the technology used to track catches.
They even participated in a traditional South African braai alongside local fishermen and chef Kobus Van Der Merwe, a vocal advocate for Abalobi's mission.
Heidi Klum later expressed her enthusiasm about the environmental efforts she witnessed, remarking on her newfound understanding of sustainable fishing.
“I knew our waters were overfished and polluted, but learning about sustainable practices is eye-opening,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems.
However, not all voices were heard during the festivities.
Some local fishermen expressed their frustration about being excluded from the event.
Mymoena Poggenpoel, 67, pointed out that they welcomed visitors to their harbor but felt it was unjust to overlook their longstanding presence in the fishing community.
Poggenpoel articulated the importance of inclusivity, stating, “We would have loved to welcome Prince William with open arms, but we also have a right to voice our concerns.” Her sentiments reflected a desire for recognition and collaboration within the fishing industry, which has faced challenges for generations.
Serge Raemaekers, co-founder of Abalobi, addressed the discontent, acknowledging that the organization's outreach still has much ground to cover.
He conveyed understanding regarding the feelings of exclusion from local fishermen and mentioned ongoing efforts to include a broader range of fishing communities in their initiatives.
Earlier that day, Prince William had visited Simon's Town Harbour to meet the lifesavers of the NSRI, gaining insight into their vital work in safeguarding lives on the water.
This visit followed his participation in the Earthshot Prize ceremony, marking a week filled with engagements focused on climate action and sustainability.
Host Nomzamo Mbatha reflected on the inspiring impact William had during the week, especially during a youth program that united young climate leaders from across the globe.
“His Royal Highness was genuinely touched,” she remarked, underscoring the significance of fostering global connections in the fight against climate change.
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