Prince William is the star of a brand new docuseries highlighting the critical work of rangers as Guardians of the planet.
The Prince of Wales has demonstrated his growing confidence in front of the camera by commissioning and fronting a ‘groundbreaking’ six-part series, ‘Guardians’, which launches today.
Personally unveiling the ‘passion’ project earlier this week, the 42-year-old royal highlighted shocking figures revealing how 1,400 rangers have died for their work over the last decade – around two a week – and yet few have ever heard their names, let alone know what they do.
Speaking to journalists in a surprise appearance at a special screening in London, demonstrating his strong personal passion for the project, he said: ‘At some point we have to say enough is enough and highlight all the bravery that these men and women do on a daily basis to protect our natural world.
‘This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. And really, it shouldn’t be. We’re protecting the natural world. It shouldn’t be dangerous.
‘Many people think being a soldier, being in the emergency services and these jobs are dangerous and lives are on the line….
‘But [the rangers] are unseen and unheard of and so many of these cases get forgotten about, don’t get reported. People don’t see them. We don’t feel it back here.’
It comes after the prince was lauded for his impromptu turn as a football pundit earlier this year, which led to calls for him to be seen in front of the cameras more.
Prince William is the star of a brand new docuseries highlighting the critical work of rangers as Guardians of the planet (pictured)
The Prince of Wales has demonstrated his growing confidence in front of the camera by commissioning and fronting a ‘groundbreaking’ six-part series, ‘Guardians’, which launches today
The new series, with a different episode dropping each week, will broadcast on BBC Earth’s YouTube channel – which boasts almost 14 million subscribers – and social media.
It is a first for William’s Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife organisation and aims to enable people to better understand the critical work of rangers on the environmental frontline.
Wildlife rangers are often considered the first and last line of defence for the natural world, but face a myriad of dangers.
These include including brutal – and often fatal – retaliation from poachers, poor living conditions and little access to fresh water, a lack of equipment and even basic resources such as boots, vulnerability to disease and low pay.
Many work 76-hour weeks for less than £7 a day, recent research has shown.
William has repeatedly spoken out about their plight, describing them as ‘inspirational’ and taking ‘huge risks as nature’s frontline of defence’.
The first episode is filmed in the Central African Republic and features the remarkable story of a reformed poacher, Modiki Claver, who now dedicates his life to protecting the wildlife he once hunted, including the highest concentration of forest elephants and lowland gorillas in Africa.
He is one of what William called this week the world’s ‘unsung heroes’, whose stories are ‘overlooked and misunderstood’.
The new series, with a different episode dropping each week, will broadcast on BBC Earth’s YouTube channel -which boasts almost 14 million subscribers – and social media
It comes after the prince was lauded for his impromptu turn as a football pundit earlier this year, which led to calls for him to be seen in front of the cameras more
It is a first for William’s Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife organisation and aims to enable people to better understand the critical work of rangers on the environmental frontline
Wildlife rangers are often considered the first and last line of defence for the natural world, but face a myriad of dangers
William highlighted the ‘incredible’ work of environmentalist and film-maker Sir David Attenborough, describing him as a personal ‘inspiration’ growing up
In November last year William announced a new initiative he devised, providing life insurance cover for rangers
Speaking as part of a panel, which also included wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan and Rohit Singh, vice president of the International Rangers Federation, William spoke of his very real fears that organisation would struggle to recruit rangers in the future because of the very real dangers they face on a daily basis, and the lack of support they receive.
He highlighted the ‘incredible’ work of environmentalist and film-maker Sir David Attenborough, describing him as a personal ‘inspiration’ growing up.
But he also emphasised that in order for luminaries such as Sir David to do their work, there has to be an army of rangers behind the scenes.
‘The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all. Every day, they take huge risks as nature’s frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss,’ the prince said.
‘These are the unsung heroes.’
In November last year, William announced a new initiative he devised, providing life insurance cover for rangers.
He has also expressed his anger over the murder in 2022 of ranger Anton Mzimba, who was shot and killed outside his home in a suspected revenge attack by poachers.
His brutal killing, which happened in front of his young family, took place just months after he personally briefed the prince via video link on the involvement of organised crime in the sickening international trade. No arrests have ever been made.
The docuseries aims to deepen public understanding of the profession, highlighting the often gruelling and laborious work that typically goes unseen by most
Guardians will be released on the Diamond Creator Award winning BBC Earth’s YouTube today, with a new episode to be released each week
William also emphasised that in order for luminaries such as Sir David to do their work, there has to be an army of rangers behind the scenes
Episodes range from as little as six to 10 minutes long, and will feature first-hand insight into the life of a ranger as they grapple to protect endangered ecosystems and safeguard the planet
The Prince called rangers of the world our ‘unsung heros’
‘This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. And really, it shouldn’t be. We’re protecting the natural world. It shouldn’t be dangerous,’ the future king said of ranger’s work
The Prince of Wales praised the ‘unseen and unheard’ heroes
Mzimba had spent 25 years working in South Africa, particularly preventing rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.
William, who has also supported Mzimba’s widow financially, has voiced his anger at the murder and says it is a ‘stark’ reminder of the daily dangers faced by rangers.
As part of a six-part series launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, episodes will share a glimpse into the life of rangers, who’s efforts are vital to protecting our planet’s natural spaces.
Rangers work to protect and manage national parks and area of great natural beauty in various locations across the globe, patrolling protected areas, monitoring wildlife, and working to promote conservation in local communities.
The docuseries aims to deepen public understanding of the profession, highlighting the often gruelling and laborious work that typically goes unseen by most.
Guardians will be released on the Diamond Creator Award winning BBC Earth’s YouTube today, with a new episode to be released each week.
Episodes range from as little as six to 10 minutes long, and will feature first-hand insight into the life of a ranger as they grapple to protect endangered ecosystems and safeguard the planet.
