Prince William calls for the world to ‘act with urgency’ to save the oceans in landmark speech

Prince William today called for the world to ‘act with urgency’ in a landmark speech as he attended a forum in Monaco. 

The Prince of Wales, 42, was speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Sunday.

Dressed in a smart navy suit and tie, William appeared in great spirits as he greeted Prince Albert of Monaco, 67, and shook his hand. 

Later, he took to the podium to urge the world to act to save the oceans, telling his audience: ‘If we save the sea, we save the world.’

After greeting the crowd in French, William said: ‘The truth is that healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate our climate and provide food for more than 3 billion people.

‘And today, they need our help.

‘Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems…and on the people and communities who depend most upon them.

‘What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted. And we are all responsible for change – both negative and positive.

‘But there remains time to turn this tide.’

‘The Prince of Wales feels passionately about action being taken to protect and restore our oceans,’ a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the BBC yesterday. 

‘He’s going to be calling for swift, immediate global action. The time is now.’

The Forum is organised by the Government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with support from France and Costa Rica. 

It brings together business leaders, government representatives, multilateral institutions and stakeholders committed to restoring the health of the oceans.

The event will focus on ocean preservation and aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and regenerative blue economy. 

During his visit, William met with finalists, winners and key partners of The Earthshot Prize, showcasing innovative solutions that have the power to reverse damage caused to the oceans and preserve it for future generations. 

They were also joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves Robles. 

He has previously worked with Albert after joining forces at the Earthshot Summit in 2023.

In January, both royals attended the Aston Villa v Monaco Champions League football match – though were supporting opposing sides. 

The Prince of Wales is also marking World Oceans Day this year with an interview with Sir David Attenborough ahead of the release of his new documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough.

Kensington Palace has released a new film of Prince William and the 99-year-old broadcaster and environmental activist, which sees the pair discussing the current state of the oceans.

David’s new documentary is set to release on Sunday, which is World Oceans Day. The film has been created to shine a light on the damage humankind has wreaked on the ocean, as well as the opportunities we have to heal it.

In their conversation, William and David spoke of the legendary biologist’s work in ocean exploration, as well as reasons to remain optimistic for ocean recovery.

At the start of the short film, David recalled the first time he ever put on a diving helmet – and nearly drowned as it filled with water.

‘I suddenly felt water coming up,’ he said, gesturing around his chin to show where the water level rose to inside the helmet when he first went underwater.

‘I thought, ‘This can’t be right’. And by the time it got to about here,’ he said, gesturing to his nose, ‘I thought, ‘I’m sure this is not right’.

‘And of course if you’ve got this thing screwed on top of you, you can’t breathe. You can’t even make yourself heard, you know. Get it off me!’

Yesterday, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in welcoming France‘s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron on their state visit to the country on Saturday 7 June.

The trip was historic for more than one reason. It marks the first visit to Monaco by a French president since François Mitterrand made his journey there in 1984.

It was also the first time that 10-year-old royal twins had played a prominent, public role in a state visit.

Jacques and Gabriella stood alongside their parents while awaiting the Macrons’ arrival at the Prince’s Palace in Monaco.

The young prince, dressed in a smart navy suit and a printed tie, appeared serious as he stood between his parents, while Gabriella wore a cream-coloured dress with cap sleeves and matching Mary Jane shoes while carrying a small bouquet of flowers.

Gabriella was tasked with presenting the bouquet to Brigitte, who gave her a kiss on the cheek in thanks.

Albert donned a slightly brighter blue suit compared to his son’s, paired with a baby blue tie.

Charlene, who is usually known for her glamorous sense of style, cut a more casual figure but was nonetheless chic in her Dior jacket and white straight-cut tailored trousers.

The royal family posed for photographs with Macron and Brigitte as the couple’s two-day visit got underway. 

In a Facebook post detailing part of the Macrons’ itinerary, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco said Charlene took Brigitte for a private stroll around the palace gardens, where they ‘shared a moment of sincere exchange, marked by deep kindness and shared commitments to youth’.

The two women were joined by Jacques and Gabrielle, who brought their ‘relaxed and lively presence’ to the scenic walk and reinforced ‘direct, human ties that unite France and Monaco from generation to generation’, according to the palace.

Macron and Brigitte also received traditional military honours from Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in a ceremony at the palace.