**Prince William’s Eco-Friendly Sneaker Surprise Steals the Spotlight in Cape Town**

During a recent visit to the stunning Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa, Prince William made a delightful revelation: he owns a pair of eco-friendly sneakers!

This confession came as he strolled through the lush gardens on November 6th, prompting excitement among attendees.

Mary Allen from Natural Fiber Welding, one of the companies competing for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, shared this tidbit with PEOPLE.

As they walked together, Prince William mentioned his stylish Purified shoes, which are crafted from sustainable materials developed by the Illinois-based company.

At 42, the Prince of Wales is not just a royal figurehead but an advocate for environmental sustainability.

His trip to South Africa serves to promote the Earthshot Prize Awards, an initiative aimed at rewarding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

During this visit, he engaged with various finalists and gathered insights into their groundbreaking projects.

As William made his way through the vibrant gardens nestled at the foothills of Table Mountain, he connected with Mary Allen and representatives from 14 other finalists vying for the award.

Allen expressed her admiration for the prince's genuine interest in their work, saying, “He was really engaged and present.”

The royal's fashion choices during this trip have also caught public attention.

He sported ties from the sustainable brand Wilmok, further emphasizing his commitment to eco-conscious living.

On the same day of his garden stroll, the prince prepared for a star-studded ceremony where five finalists will each receive a substantial $1.3 million prize.

This event has been likened to his “Super Bowl moment,” showcasing the remarkable efforts being made toward environmental solutions.

Throughout his visit, William took the time to learn about the finalists' experiences, especially their participation in the Earthshot Week Fellowship program.

This initiative is designed to help innovators expand and market their planet-saving ideas effectively.

As he wandered the gardens, he was accompanied by Hannah Jones, the CEO of the Earthshot Prize, and garden director Werner Voigt.

Their discussions revealed a mutual passion for environmental stewardship and the innovative approaches being employed by the finalists.

Voigt commented on the prince's relaxed demeanor and attentive nature, stating, “It wasn't rushed; there is genuine interest in all the stories these companies had to tell.” William's engagement left a lasting impression on everyone he met, reflecting his deep understanding of global environmental issues.

Additionally, the prince took time to admire a milkwood tree planted by his father, King Charles, almost thirteen years ago.

The conversation about this tree highlighted the royal family's ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, with William noting how his father “plants trees everywhere.”

With clear blue skies overhead, the prince enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and reflected on his family's experiences, including sharing moments with his children during rainy rugby games.

Among those he met was Ninna Granucci, co-founder of Ferment'Up, another finalist in the Earthshot Prize competition.

She praised William for leveraging his platform to spotlight pressing climate issues and foster collaboration among diverse innovators.

Kelly Adams, CEO of Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, also lauded the prince's ability to unite people around common goals.

His initiatives are vital in showcasing groundbreaking technologies that can transform industries and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In essence, Prince William's visit to Cape Town not only highlighted his personal commitment to eco-friendly practices but also underscored the collective effort towards tackling climate change through innovation and collaboration.

Image file: Prince_William's_Eco-Sneaker_Confession_Turns_Heads_in_Cape_Town_'He_Said_He's_Got_a_Pair!