Prince William warns of 'heartbreaking' situation with the world's oceans
Prince William has warned that oceans have been reduced to "barren deserts" by humans.
The Prince of Wales delivered the keynote speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on Sunday (08.06.25) and warned his audience - which included Prince Albert of Monaco, France's president Emmanuel Macron, and Costa Rican leader Rodrigo Chaves Robles - there is a crisis which can no longer be dismissed as "out of sight, out of mind".
William declared the situation to be "simply heartbreaking" and called for action so "change the course of history" by saving the world's oceans, though he noted "the clock is ticking" on a global commitment to protect 30 per cent of land and sea by the end of the decade, noting just 3% of the ocean is fully protects.
He said: 'Put simply: the ocean is under enormous threat, but it can revive itself.
'But, only if together, we act now...
'This challenge is like none that we have faced before."
He quoted Sir David Attenborough and said: 'If we save the sea, we save our world'.
William called for "urgency and optimism" to tackle the issue.
He said: 'I believe that urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history,' he said.
'With creativity, ingenuity, investment and support, we can unlock exciting innovations and solutions that protect our planet, create jobs, sustain livelihoods and encourage prosperity...
'Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to barren deserts at the base of our oceans is heartbreaking.
'For many, it is an urgent wake-up call to just what is going on in our oceans. But it can no longer be a matter of 'out of sight, out of mind.''
William declared that looking after the oceans was an 'incredibly important issue' held 'dear to my heart', but warned many forget just how "vital" the seas of the world are.
He said at the Grimaldi Forum conference hall: "We come together today united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety. For many of us, it is a place where some of our happiest memories are made… where we have explored the wonders of the natural world… and we have all relied on its great abundance for our food and livelihoods.
"And yet, all too often, it can feel distant and disconnected from our everyday lives, allowing us to forget just how vital it is. 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 three 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 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.'
William met delegates from the Earthshot Prize before addressing those gathered for the forum, which was held in honour of World Oceans Day.
And after helping Sir David launch his new film 'Ocean', the prince - who has Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales- admitted he was "very emotional" after seeing the documentary.
He told Enric Sala, a marine ecologist who had worked on the film: 'I was very emotional after watching it. I got angry then I got sad then I got frustrated then I got happy – every single range of emotions.
'It was really powerful. I'm working out how to show my children as well.'
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Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
Prince William warns of 'heartbreaking' situation with the world's oceans
Prince William has warned that oceans have been reduced to "barren deserts" by humans. The Prince of Wales delivered the keynote speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on Sunday (08.06.25) and warned his audience - which included Prince Albert of Monaco, France's president Emmanuel Macron, and Costa Rican leader Rodrigo Chaves Robles - there is a crisis which can no longer be dismissed as "out of sight, out of mind". William declared the situation to be "simply heartbreaking" and called for action so "change the course of history" by saving the world's oceans, though he noted "the clock is ticking" on a global commitment to protect 30 per cent of land and sea by the end of the decade, noting just 3% of the ocean is fully protects. He said: 'Put simply: the ocean is under enormous threat, but it can revive itself. 'But, only if together, we act now... 'This challenge is like none that we have faced before." He quoted Sir David Attenborough and said: 'If we save the sea, we save our world'. William called for "urgency and optimism" to tackle the issue. He said: 'I believe that urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history,' he said. 'With creativity, ingenuity, investment and support, we can unlock exciting innovations and solutions that protect our planet, create jobs, sustain livelihoods and encourage prosperity... 'Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to barren deserts at the base of our oceans is heartbreaking. 'For many, it is an urgent wake-up call to just what is going on in our oceans. But it can no longer be a matter of 'out of sight, out of mind.'' William declared that looking after the oceans was an 'incredibly important issue' held 'dear to my heart', but warned many forget just how "vital" the seas of the world are. He said at the Grimaldi Forum conference hall: "We come together today united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety. For many of us, it is a place where some of our happiest memories are made… where we have explored the wonders of the natural world… and we have all relied on its great abundance for our food and livelihoods. "And yet, all too often, it can feel distant and disconnected from our everyday lives, allowing us to forget just how vital it is. 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 three 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 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.' William met delegates from the Earthshot Prize before addressing those gathered for the forum, which was held in honour of World Oceans Day. And after helping Sir David launch his new film 'Ocean', the prince - who has Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales- admitted he was "very emotional" after seeing the documentary. He told Enric Sala, a marine ecologist who had worked on the film: 'I was very emotional after watching it. I got angry then I got sad then I got frustrated then I got happy – every single range of emotions. 'It was really powerful. I'm working out how to show my children as well.'
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King Charles leads Britain's VE Day celebrations
King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William have laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey at the culmination of Britain's four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. Charles and William, military medals pinned on their chest and standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, in a show of respect for those who gave their lives in World War II. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. Speaking at a defence conference in London on Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day a celebration of defiance, sacrifice and courage. "A victory not just for Britain but for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil," he said. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterisation of the conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was due to lay a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Dozens of World War II-era vehicles will also parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will address the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, during a special remembrance session. VE Day's 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older. British veterans were among the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London. They will be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla after the service, before senior royals also lay flowers at a memorial nearby. Veterans also attended a grand military parade and flypast close to Buckingham Palace on Monday, one of a series of anniversary events, in what has been a busy few days for Charles. The monarch, 76, was last year diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and is still undergoing treatment. Later on Thursday, there will be a concert at Horse Guards Parade for 10,000 people. Charles and Camilla will be in the audience to hear music and the stories of veterans.
The Advertiser
08-05-2025
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King Charles leads Britain's VE Day celebrations
King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William have laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey at the culmination of Britain's four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. Charles and William, military medals pinned on their chest and standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, in a show of respect for those who gave their lives in World War II. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. Speaking at a defence conference in London on Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day a celebration of defiance, sacrifice and courage. "A victory not just for Britain but for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil," he said. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterisation of the conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was due to lay a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Dozens of World War II-era vehicles will also parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. 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King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William have laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey at the culmination of Britain's four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. Charles and William, military medals pinned on their chest and standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, in a show of respect for those who gave their lives in World War II. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. Speaking at a defence conference in London on Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day a celebration of defiance, sacrifice and courage. "A victory not just for Britain but for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil," he said. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterisation of the conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was due to lay a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Dozens of World War II-era vehicles will also parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will address the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, during a special remembrance session. VE Day's 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older. British veterans were among the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London. They will be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla after the service, before senior royals also lay flowers at a memorial nearby. Veterans also attended a grand military parade and flypast close to Buckingham Palace on Monday, one of a series of anniversary events, in what has been a busy few days for Charles. The monarch, 76, was last year diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and is still undergoing treatment. Later on Thursday, there will be a concert at Horse Guards Parade for 10,000 people. Charles and Camilla will be in the audience to hear music and the stories of veterans. King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William have laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey at the culmination of Britain's four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. Charles and William, military medals pinned on their chest and standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, in a show of respect for those who gave their lives in World War II. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. Speaking at a defence conference in London on Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day a celebration of defiance, sacrifice and courage. "A victory not just for Britain but for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil," he said. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterisation of the conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was due to lay a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Dozens of World War II-era vehicles will also parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will address the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, during a special remembrance session. VE Day's 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older. British veterans were among the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London. They will be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla after the service, before senior royals also lay flowers at a memorial nearby. Veterans also attended a grand military parade and flypast close to Buckingham Palace on Monday, one of a series of anniversary events, in what has been a busy few days for Charles. The monarch, 76, was last year diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and is still undergoing treatment. Later on Thursday, there will be a concert at Horse Guards Parade for 10,000 people. Charles and Camilla will be in the audience to hear music and the stories of veterans. King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William have laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey at the culmination of Britain's four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. Charles and William, military medals pinned on their chest and standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, in a show of respect for those who gave their lives in World War II. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. Speaking at a defence conference in London on Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day a celebration of defiance, sacrifice and courage. "A victory not just for Britain but for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil," he said. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterisation of the conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was due to lay a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Dozens of World War II-era vehicles will also parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will address the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, during a special remembrance session. VE Day's 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older. British veterans were among the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London. They will be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla after the service, before senior royals also lay flowers at a memorial nearby. Veterans also attended a grand military parade and flypast close to Buckingham Palace on Monday, one of a series of anniversary events, in what has been a busy few days for Charles. The monarch, 76, was last year diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and is still undergoing treatment. Later on Thursday, there will be a concert at Horse Guards Parade for 10,000 people. Charles and Camilla will be in the audience to hear music and the stories of veterans.
