A visit to Cape Town by Prince William and Robert Irwin, son of Steve Irwin

Prince William joined Australian conservationist Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, for a scenic walk on Signal Hill during his climate-focused tour of South Africa. With Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain as their backdrop, the two discussed the region’s rich biodiversity with park rangers, volunteer conservationists, and experts.

Because of its exceptional plant diversity, Signal Hill, which is a component of the Cape Flora Region, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. William’s four-day visit to South Africa will culminate with the presentation of his Earthshot Prize, awarded annually to innovative and eco-friendly projects worldwide. Five recipients will each receive £1 million, contributing to sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges.

Under the sunny, brisk weather, William, dressed in sustainable attire, walked through the park, admiring Cape Town’s stunning views from one of the world’s best-known landscapes. Robert Irwin, who became an Earthshot ambassador in September, led the tour, guiding William through the National Park with support from rangers, firefighters, mountain rescue personnel, and young volunteers.

In a social media video, Irwin asked William about his favorite African animal. While William named the cheetah, he noted his children often ask him the same question. Irwin, a dedicated wildlife photographer, chose the “unsung hero” chameleon. Reflecting on the Earthshot Prize, Irwin said, “It’s about putting resources, awareness, and optimism where it’s most needed, offering a beacon we can all look towards.”

Later, William met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is visiting Nigeria and South Africa to focus on economic growth. William thanked President Ramaphosa for supporting the Earthshot Prize and shared how much he had enjoyed his visit to Ocean View Township, where he had joined local youth in rugby training, even showcasing his “rusty” skills alongside South African rugby legends Joel Stransky and Percy Montgomery.

The Prince is also set to address the importance of conservation at a United for Wildlife summit, his initiative aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking.