**Prince William Showcases African Languages at Earthshot Prize Ceremony in Cape Town**

During the recent Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, Prince William made a remarkable impression by greeting attendees in nine African languages.

This event took place on November 6 in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of his ongoing commitment to environmental issues through The Earthshot Prize initiative.

The Prince of Wales, who is 42 years old, attended the fourth annual awards ceremony which highlights innovative solutions aimed at improving our planet's health.

Out of 15 finalists, five winners were selected to receive $1.3 million, enabling them to further develop their groundbreaking ideas.

In a heartfelt display of respect for Africa, Prince William welcomed the audience using greetings from various regions across the continent.

He spoke in Zulu with “Sanibonani,” in Sesotho with “Dumelang,” and in Yoruba with “Ekaabo,” among others, showcasing a rich tapestry of languages representing North, East, West, and South Africa.

Reflecting on his connection to Africa, Prince William mentioned that the continent has always been close to his heart.

He shared personal experiences from his youth, particularly how he found solace there after the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana.

It was also in Africa where he proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, further solidifying his bond with the region.

The inspiration for The Earthshot Prize originated during the prince's travels to Namibia and Tanzania in 2018.

He expressed admiration for the extraordinary wildlife and the positive impact local communities were making on their environment.

His observations led him to realize the potential of grassroots initiatives in addressing ecological challenges.

William passionately described The Earthshot Prize as a vision born from optimism and hope.

He emphasized the importance of empowering innovators and leaders who are dedicated to environmental stewardship.

His goal is to amplify their efforts, ensuring that their successful projects can be replicated globally.

Since its inception four years ago, The Earthshot Prize has garnered over 5,000 nominations, with nearly 400 of those coming from Africa this year alone.

Prince William pointed out that Africa is not only a hub of creativity but also faces unique challenges despite contributing minimally to global warming.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a week filled with events in Cape Town for Prince William, who was in attendance without the Princess of Wales due to her ongoing recovery from chemotherapy.

Celebrities such as Robert Irwin and Heidi Klum joined him to honor the prize recipients.

Among the winners, Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems triumphed in the Fix Our Climate category, while High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People claimed victory in Revive Our Oceans.

Other winners included Keep IT Cool for Build a Waste-Free World and Alytn Dala Conservation Initiative for Protect and Restore Nature.

Prince William concluded his speech by reinforcing the message that the success of these innovations benefits everyone.

“When they succeed, we all succeed,” he declared, underscoring the collaborative spirit necessary for tackling climate change.

The excitement of the event was palpable, with performers lighting up the stage at the stunning venue of Table Mountain.

Attendees, including local artists, expressed their pride in being part of an initiative aimed at preserving the natural world.

Hannah Jones, CEO of the Earthshot Prize, shared her amazement at the growing momentum surrounding the initiative.

She remarked on the shift from an idea to a burgeoning movement, highlighting the involvement of young climate leaders and other passionate individuals.

Kelly Adams, CEO of one of the winning organizations, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the support and camaraderie among the finalists.

Meeting Prince William and discussing their projects left a lasting impression on him, showcasing the prince's genuine interest in their work and aspirations.

As the event drew to a close, it became clear that The Earthshot Prize not only celebrates innovation but also fosters a collaborative network dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for our planet.