Britain’s Prince William paid a visit to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday in Cape Town after taking a nature walk with rangers and conservationists at Table Mountain National Park.
The Prince of Wales is on a four-day trip to South Africa for the annual awards ceremony of his Earthshot Prize, which will be held on Wednesday. He will also attend a global wildlife summit and hold other climate-focused engagements.
Video footage shared by Ramaphosa’s office showed William and Ramaphosa shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries at the start of their meeting.
Item 1 of 2 Prince William, Prince of Wales, meets the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at his Official Residence in Cape Town, South Africa, November 5, 2024. Victoria Jones/Pool via REUTERS
[1/2]Prince William, Prince of Wales, meets the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at his Official Residence in Cape Town, South Africa, November 5, 2024. Victoria Jones/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
“The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal Family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” South Africa’s presidency said in a statement.
The presidency said South Africa was pleased to host this year’s Earthshot Prize awards because it highlights the impact climate change and environmental degradation have in Africa.
Launched in 2020, the prize aims to find innovations to combat climate and other green issues, and awards five winners 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) each to drive their projects.