Britain’s Prince William began his four-day visit to South Africa on Tuesday with an early-morning walk through the trails of Signal Hill, part of the Table Mountain National Park.
The nature walk was a poignant moment in the heir to the British throne’s ongoing environmental campaign, bringing attention to the work of conservation rangers who patrol the urban national park.
Table Mountain National Park stretches over 85 square miles, a protected area that runs through Cape Town’s iconic landscapes, from its famous flat-topped mountain to the suburbs that sprawl along the coastline.
Rather than ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a scenic spot known for its sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain.
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How Important is Biodiversity in Table Mountain?
Accompanying the prince was Megan Taplin, the park’s manager, and Robert Irwin, son of the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, famed for his wildlife advocacy.
During the walk, William met with park rangers, firefighters, and members of a K-9 unit, gaining firsthand insight into the difficult and often dangerous work they perform to protect the biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Taplin emphasized the personal toll that such high-risk work can have on the rangers, both physically and mentally.
She said “We spoke a lot about ranger wellness. It’s important that rangers and their families feel supported, because they are doing difficult, dangerous work every day.”
The royal visit to South Africa is part of a broader effort by Prince William to shine a spotlight on environmental issues, notably his Earthshot Prize, which aims to address global climate challenges.
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What is the Earthshot Prize?
The prize, founded by the prince in 2020 through his Royal Foundation, awards $1.2 million in grants annually to five individuals or organizations whose innovations contribute to environmental sustainability.
This year, the Earthshot Prize ceremony will be held in Cape Town on Wednesday, marking the first time it has been hosted on the African continent.
Prince William’s engagements this week include meetings with young environmental leaders, attendance at a wildlife summit, and visits to a sea rescue institute and a Cape Town fishing community.
He will also examine the use of seaweed to regenerate oceans—an innovative approach to tackling marine pollution and restoring ecosystems.
On his first day in Cape Town, William took a break from climate-focused discussions to engage with youth at a high school rugby practice.
What is Prince William’s Relationship with South Africa?
The prince also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential residence in Cape Town.
The meeting, which was attended by U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, is part of a broader bilateral dialogue between the UK and South Africa, aimed at strengthening international cooperation on a variety of issues, including climate action.
William’s relationship with Africa runs deep. His late mother, Princess Diana, visited the continent frequently, and William himself traveled to Africa as a child in the aftermath of her death in 1997.
It was also in Africa, specifically Namibia, that William conceived the idea for the Earthshot Prize during a 2018 trip.
His brother, Prince Harry, also maintains strong ties to the region, notably through his charity work in southern Africa, including a recent visit to Lesotho and South Africa.
His wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis did not join William on this trip.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press