Attenborough tells William he hopes Ocean film will move people to action
Sir David Attenborough has told the Prince of Wales he hopes his new film, Ocean, will galvanise society into action 'before we destroy this great treasure'.
William also chatted with his natural history hero about their shared optimism for discoveries of new life in the seas, despite the threats they face.
Sir David has been described by the future King as the 'inspiration' for his six-part wildlife rangers series, and has attended a private screening of Ocean that shows the seas at a crossroads due to over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction.
The baton to help protect the world's oceans appears to be passing from the veteran broadcaster to William and others, with the prince expected to call for action to save them when he gives a speech at an economic forum attended by world leaders on Sunday.
Sir David said during their conversation: 'If this film does anything, if it just shifts public awareness, it will be very, very important, and I can only hope that people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure.'
The broadcaster made William laugh, during their chat filmed at the Royal Festival Hall in early May, when he tried on one of his early diving helmets and told the story of it filling up with water due to a fault.
Asked by the prince for his assessment of the state of the world's oceans, the broadcaster replied: 'The awful thing is that it's hidden from you and from me and from most people.
'The thing which I am appalled by, when I first saw the shots that were taken for this film, are what we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful. PA Media The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speaking to Sir David Attenborough during the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London in 2021 (Alberto Pezzali/PA).
'I mean, if you could do anything remotely like it on land, everybody will be up in arms.'
The damage caused to the seabed by fishing boats using a common technique called bottom trawling – dragging a net that forces sea life into the trap – is shown in Ocean.
With a shared passion for protecting the natural world, the prince and the naturalist have supported each other in their missions to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges the planet faces.
William has attended screenings of Sir David's nature documentaries privately while the broadcaster has been a champion of the prince's environmental Earthshot Prize since its inception.
The future King asked the broadcaster, who recently turned 99, what gave him hope and was told the film took them into people's living rooms and it could 'expose something new' and, when quizzed if there was new life to discover in the oceans, was told 'beyond question'. PA Media Sir David Attenborough has recently turned 99 and has been making natural history films for decades (James Manning/PA).
Sir David agreed with William when he concluded by saying 'it's a really optimistic, excitement sort of moment for the next generation, to be able to be bigger explorers and find more data and more research down there'.
The film, narrated by Sir David, offers a message of hope that, if protected from the damage of intensive and destructive fishing, the oceans can recover, and it backs the call to protect 30% of the world's marine areas by 2030, known as 30×30.
William is due to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, with world leaders like France's President Emmanuel Macron also addressing the event.
The prince is expected to issue a rallying call to delegates: 'Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions.
'Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Only Fools and Horses fans asked to pay up to £500 plus VAT to meet David Jason
Those who pay the fee will be banned from taking their own selfies, asking for autographs or even giving gifts to Sir David Only Fools and Horses fans are being asked to pay up to £550 to spend 'a moment' with Sir David Jason. The Del Boy star, 85, will pose for a picture as part of the deal at a two-day convention at a hotel in Milton Keynes this October. But unlike his wide-boy character, fans will be unable to avoid VAT, as the venue is cashless, and there will be no money back and no guarantee for ticket holders if they suddenly can't make it. Those who do turn up will be banned from taking their own selfies, asking for autographs or even giving gifts to Sir David. A disgruntled fan last night said: 'Lets just say, I wouldn't describe it as lovely jubbly.' Details of the money-spinner emerged after Sir David griped last year how he was "slightly upset" at being best known for playing Derek Trotter. The offer comes 12 months after the Mirror reported how organisers of last year's convention were charging at least £325 for tickets to meet the star. A cheaper bronze package for this year's event is available for £100-a-person, which will not include the chance to meet Sir David. Buyers will be able to watch an on stage talk with the star and director Tony Dow and are promised an 'opportunity to meet other star guest actors' from the show. But if they want to get their autographs, further charges will apply. A silver package is being sold at £350, which will allow fans the chance to get one 8x6 picture, described as 'FREE', with Sir David. The £450 gold package offers the same perks, plus 'Ltd Edt Convention Montage personally signed by Sir David Jason (before the Convention and given to you upon arrival at Registration)', 'central seating location in the ballroom' and being 'amongst the first tables called up to meet David Jason'. Those who buy the £550 platinum ticket are further promised 'VIP Seating – front row table with unobstructed view!' and '1 x FREE ticket to the Saturday Night Karaoke (includes evening meal)'. Fans that do get to meet Sir David will do so in a mock-up of Del Boy's flat inside Mandela House. The website says: 'Eligible ticket holders will finally have their 'Moment with Sir David Jason', posing for a photograph in the Trotter Flat, as well as all attendees having the chance to meet the other guest actors and add their autograph to your collection! 'We kindly request no gifts are to be given to Sir David Jason as this will take up all of the allocated time for your photo. 'Due to time constraints, Sir David will not be signing any items across the Convention weekend. We kindly ask you do not bring anything to attempt Sir David to sign as it will not be permitted. We will have staff on call to ensure this in fairness to everyone.' 'There will be NO 'Selfies' at the event with Sir David Jason. Selfies are left to the discretion of the other guest actors, although most are very happy to pose for a photograph if asked politely. 'We do not charge for a 'selfie'! Crew Members will be sat with each actor and happy to assist with the taking of your photo. If your ticket(s) do not include a signed photo / mount, ticket holders are able to purchase a signed Convention Photo / Mount subject to availability across the weekend. "There are no in person autograph opportunities across the weekend with Sir David Jason. The convention's website adds: 'We are delighted to return with the Karaoke on the Saturday Night. It will commence around 7pm and finish by 12pm (midnight). 'Purchasing a Karaoke ticket includes entry to the karaoke and an evening meal (hot buffet selection chosen by the venue). You must ensure that you are attending the Convention on either day to be able to attend the Karaoke. 'NO SELFIES / AUTOGRAPHS will be signed by any actors who attend the Karaoke – please allow them to enjoy their evening. Other guest actors in attendance WILL be signing any items of your choice including Props and Van Doors.'
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
Attenborough tells William he hopes Ocean film will move people to action
Sir David Attenborough has told the Prince of Wales he hopes his new film, Ocean, will galvanise society into action 'before we destroy this great treasure'. William also chatted with his natural history hero about their shared optimism for discoveries of new life in the seas, despite the threats they face. Sir David has been described by the future King as the 'inspiration' for his six-part wildlife rangers series, and has attended a private screening of Ocean that shows the seas at a crossroads due to over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction. The baton to help protect the world's oceans appears to be passing from the veteran broadcaster to William and others, with the prince expected to call for action to save them when he gives a speech at an economic forum attended by world leaders on Sunday. Sir David said during their conversation: 'If this film does anything, if it just shifts public awareness, it will be very, very important, and I can only hope that people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure.' The broadcaster made William laugh, during their chat filmed at the Royal Festival Hall in early May, when he tried on one of his early diving helmets and told the story of it filling up with water due to a fault. Asked by the prince for his assessment of the state of the world's oceans, the broadcaster replied: 'The awful thing is that it's hidden from you and from me and from most people. 'The thing which I am appalled by, when I first saw the shots that were taken for this film, are what we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful. PA Media The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speaking to Sir David Attenborough during the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London in 2021 (Alberto Pezzali/PA). 'I mean, if you could do anything remotely like it on land, everybody will be up in arms.' The damage caused to the seabed by fishing boats using a common technique called bottom trawling – dragging a net that forces sea life into the trap – is shown in Ocean. With a shared passion for protecting the natural world, the prince and the naturalist have supported each other in their missions to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges the planet faces. William has attended screenings of Sir David's nature documentaries privately while the broadcaster has been a champion of the prince's environmental Earthshot Prize since its inception. The future King asked the broadcaster, who recently turned 99, what gave him hope and was told the film took them into people's living rooms and it could 'expose something new' and, when quizzed if there was new life to discover in the oceans, was told 'beyond question'. PA Media Sir David Attenborough has recently turned 99 and has been making natural history films for decades (James Manning/PA). Sir David agreed with William when he concluded by saying 'it's a really optimistic, excitement sort of moment for the next generation, to be able to be bigger explorers and find more data and more research down there'. The film, narrated by Sir David, offers a message of hope that, if protected from the damage of intensive and destructive fishing, the oceans can recover, and it backs the call to protect 30% of the world's marine areas by 2030, known as 30×30. William is due to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, with world leaders like France's President Emmanuel Macron also addressing the event. The prince is expected to issue a rallying call to delegates: 'Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions. 'Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Attenborough tells William he hopes Ocean film will move people to action
William also chatted with his natural history hero about their shared optimism for discoveries of new life in the seas, despite the threats they face. Sir David has been described by the future King as the 'inspiration' for his six-part wildlife rangers series, and has attended a private screening of Ocean that shows the seas at a crossroads due to over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction. The baton to help protect the world's oceans appears to be passing from the veteran broadcaster to William and others, with the prince expected to call for action to save them when he gives a speech at an economic forum attended by world leaders on Sunday. Sir David said during their conversation: 'If this film does anything, if it just shifts public awareness, it will be very, very important, and I can only hope that people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure.' The broadcaster made William laugh, during their chat filmed at the Royal Festival Hall in early May, when he tried on one of his early diving helmets and told the story of it filling up with water due to a fault. Asked by the prince for his assessment of the state of the world's oceans, the broadcaster replied: 'The awful thing is that it's hidden from you and from me and from most people. 'The thing which I am appalled by, when I first saw the shots that were taken for this film, are what we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speaking to Sir David Attenborough during the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London in 2021 (Alberto Pezzali/PA) 'I mean, if you could do anything remotely like it on land, everybody will be up in arms.' The damage caused to the seabed by fishing boats using a common technique called bottom trawling – dragging a net that forces sea life into the trap – is shown in Ocean. With a shared passion for protecting the natural world, the prince and the naturalist have supported each other in their missions to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges the planet faces. William has attended screenings of Sir David's nature documentaries privately while the broadcaster has been a champion of the prince's environmental Earthshot Prize since its inception. The future King asked the broadcaster, who recently turned 99, what gave him hope and was told the film took them into people's living rooms and it could 'expose something new' and, when quizzed if there was new life to discover in the oceans, was told 'beyond question'. Sir David Attenborough has recently turned 99 and has been making natural history films for decades (James Manning/PA) Sir David agreed with William when he concluded by saying 'it's a really optimistic, excitement sort of moment for the next generation, to be able to be bigger explorers and find more data and more research down there'. The film, narrated by Sir David, offers a message of hope that, if protected from the damage of intensive and destructive fishing, the oceans can recover, and it backs the call to protect 30% of the world's marine areas by 2030, known as 30×30. William is due to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, with world leaders like France's President Emmanuel Macron also addressing the event. The prince is expected to issue a rallying call to delegates: 'Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions. 'Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.'
