King Charles III has long been recognized as an influential advocate for environmental sustainability, a commitment he has maintained since before the term "sustainability" became widely used. This dedication appears to have been embraced by his son, Prince William, who has launched initiatives addressing the global climate crisis, including the Earthshot Prize.
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England and former director of Friends of the Earth, described King Charles as “possibly the most significant environmentalist in history,” highlighting the monarch’s enduring focus on green issues. Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has implemented several eco-friendly projects, including the installation of solar panels at Windsor Castle and the use of biofuel in royal vehicles, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions within the royal residences.
In 2026, Prime Video released the documentary *Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision*, which traces King Charles’s decades-long environmental efforts. The film covers his work promoting sustainable communities in India and forest conservation in Guyana, as well as the contributions of his King’s Foundation at Highgrove and Dumfries House.
Prince William has followed a similar environmental path, influenced by both his father and mother, the late Princess Diana, who was also known for her philanthropic work. He has emphasized the urgent need for climate action, urging what he terms “urgent optimism”—acknowledging the severity of environmental challenges while maintaining confidence in humanity’s ability to address them. Earlier this month, Prince William articulated this view in an exclusive piece for a leading news outlet.
Launched six years ago, the Earthshot Prize is Prince William’s flagship effort to encourage innovative solutions for pressing environmental problems such as ocean pollution and air quality. The prize supports young innovators from over 156 countries, awarding five recipients £1 million each annually. The Earthshot Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in India later this year for the first time.
In addition to the Earthshot Prize, Prince William has contributed to environmental restoration projects like the Dartmoor peatland recovery program. He also launched the documentary series *Guardians*, which draws attention to wildlife rangers operating under challenging conditions. During London Climate Action Week this year, Prince William highlighted his involvement with sustainable transportation by riding the city’s 3,000th electric bus and outlined the Earthshot initiatives’ goals, including cutting 18 million tonnes of emissions and protecting millions of acres of land and sea.
Together, King Charles and Prince William continue to play prominent roles in championing environmental causes through advocacy, philanthropy, and public engagement.