SIMON’S TOWN, South Africa — Prince William took to the waters on a sea rescue craft along the picturesque coastline of South Africa as he concluded a four-day journey in Cape Town focused on environmental conservation and addressing climate challenges.
During his visit, the prince engaged with volunteers at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station located in Simon’s Town, close to Cape Town, before embarking on a brief excursion to Kalk Bay harbor. Dressed in sunglasses and a vibrant red waterproof jacket, he enjoyed the experience from the top deck as the vessel departed from one of South Africa’s principal naval hubs.
Prince William’s trip aimed to shine a light on his Earthshot Prize, which celebrates ecological initiatives and held its annual awards ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday evening. Established in 2021, the prize allocates $1.2 million each year to five innovative businesses dedicated to sustainability.
Having previously served as a qualified Royal Air Force helicopter pilot with experience in search and rescue operations, William was inquisitive about the training and resources provided to the sea rescue volunteers he met. One volunteer inquired if he had any personal experience in rescue missions, to which the prince expressed his nostalgia for such endeavors, stating, “I miss this life. Any chance to get back, I’ll take.”
Mike Vonk, the CEO of the National Sea Rescue Institute, shared that the visit was enlightening, highlighting the prince’s genuine interest in their operations and the essential work carried out by volunteers throughout the country.
Throughout his visit, Prince William has focused on a variety of pressing environmental topics, including the crucial roles played by conservation rangers, the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trafficking, and initiatives aimed at preserving the Table Mountain National Park and its unique plant species, which are endemic to the region.
On the final day of his trip, the prince dedicated his efforts to coastal preservation and sustainable practices. He disembarked from the rescue boat to engage with local fishermen in Kalk Bay, where he learned about innovative technologies they are utilizing to fish in a sustainable manner, providing consumers with more transparent information regarding the origin and methods of their catch.
In a culinary gesture, the fishermen prepared some of their fresh catch on a barbecue for William’s lunchtime experience.
William’s family was notably absent during this visit; his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—did not accompany him to Cape Town. Kate recently resumed her public engagements following a course of chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer type.
