On June 8, 2025, Prince William delivered a compelling address at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, reinforcing his role as a prominent global environmental advocate. Speaking ahead of World Oceans Day, he highlighted the critical threats facing marine biodiversity and emphasized the necessity for international cooperation in ocean conservation. His speech resonated with global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, underscoring the urgency of protecting the world’s oceans. This appearance marks a significant step in Prince William’s evolving leadership on environmental issues, building upon his decade-long Earthshot Prize initiative aimed at fostering sustainable solutions .
Addressing an audience of over 1,800 delegates, including heads of state, policymakers, and environmental experts, Prince William emphasized the alarming degradation of marine ecosystems. He pointed out that while oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface and support over 3 billion people, only 3% are currently protected. This falls significantly short of the global goal to safeguard 30% of land and sea by 2030, a target set during the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit .
“What was once seen as an abundant resource is vanishing,” Prince William stated, highlighting the threats from rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and plastic pollution. He stressed that the oceans still hold the potential to recover—but only if immediate, collective action is taken .
The Prince’s address was delivered partly in French, reflecting the international nature of the forum and his commitment to global collaboration. He wore a sustainable tie, symbolizing personal responsibility in environmental conservation .
In addition to his speech, Prince William engaged with Earthshot Prize finalists and partners, discussing innovative solutions for ocean conservation. The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020, awards five winners annually with £1 million each to support environmental initiatives. Projects like Coral Vita, which restores coral reefs, and Pristine Seas, which has protected marine areas the size of Germany, exemplify the practical impact of the prize .
Prince William’s visit to Monaco also included a meeting with Prince Albert II, a fellow advocate for ocean conservation. Their collaboration underscores the importance of united leadership in addressing environmental challenges .
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum serves as a precursor to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, aiming to mobilize funding and policy support for sustainable ocean use. Prince William’s participation highlights the increasing role of global leaders in environmental advocacy, particularly as he steps into a more prominent position amid King Charles III’s ongoing cancer treatment .
In a recent conversation with renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, Prince William discussed the devastating impact of human activity on marine environments. Attenborough’s new documentary, “Ocean,” reveals the extensive damage to the ocean floor, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts. Their dialogue aims to raise public awareness and inspire action to protect the planet’s oceans .
As the world observes World Oceans Day, Prince William’s advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
