Prince William said it was “so nice to be back in the US” after arriving to announce the 2023 Earthshot Prize finalists.
The Prince of Wales said that “no one is as optimistic and resourceful as the American people” as he arrived at Newark Airport last night on the two-day trip.
William, flying commercial and traveling without the Princess of Wales, drove directly from the airport to Governor’s Island, located in New York Harbor.
There he was supposed to learn about the Billion Oyster Project, whose goal is to clean up the waters around New York by using a billion oyster shells as natural filters by 2035.
Tomorrow, William will announce the 15 finalists for this year’s Earthshot Prize, which recognizes companies and projects focused on climate solutions.
There appear to be no plans to see his estranged brother in the US – just days after Prince Harry’s Invictus Games ended in Düsseldorf, Germany.
William, flying commercial and traveling without the Princess of Wales, drove directly from the airport to Governor’s Island, located in New York Harbor
On Governor’s Island, he should learn about the Billion Oyster Project, whose goal is to clean up the waters around New York by using a billion oyster shells as natural filters by 2035
This is William’s first visit to New York since 2014 and was postponed from last year due to the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II
William set off on a boat with Billion Ouster Project executive director and co-founder Pete Malinowski
The prince should see the huge pile of oyster shells (pictured) that are being donated by 75 restaurants in New York instead of ending up in landfills
Despite the gray sky and rain, William waded into the East River from a small beach and placed some oysters in the water
On Governor’s Island, William was scheduled to meet schoolchildren studying marine biology and chat with employees of the Billion Oyster Project
William helped found the awards in 2020 and each year five winners receive £1 million for their project.
When he arrived at the airport, he said, “It’s so good to be back in the United States.” No one is as optimistic and resourceful as the American people, so it’s only right that we welcome this year’s Earthshot finalists to New York Introduce York City.
“Eighty years ago, the world came together in this great city to find a new way to solve our shared challenges through the United Nations.
“I know that our generation can take the bold actions we need to create change toward a healthy and sustainable world.” The challenge may seem huge, but as John F. Kennedy taught us, we are rising to the challenge not because it is easy, but because it is difficult. And vital’.
On Governor’s Island, William was scheduled to meet schoolchildren studying marine biology and chat with employees of the Billion Oyster Project.
He should see the huge pile of oyster shells being donated by 75 restaurants in New York instead of ending up in landfills.
And afterward, despite gray skies and rain, he was supposed to wade into the East River from a small beach and throw a few oysters into the water.
The prince left the Princess of Wales at home with the children when he traveled to the US – and Kate was also not expected to accompany him to the Earthshot awards ceremony in Singapore in November.
William was in Boston last year to announce the 2020 Earthshot Prize winners.
The Prince of Wales is seen giggling as he talks to children while visiting the Billion Oyster Project
The Prince speaks with members of the project while walking along the New York waterfront
Prince of Wales interacts with other members of the Billion Oyster Project to learn more about their work to revitalize New York’s waterways
William stands waist-deep in water as he throws oysters in to clean the waterway
William was in Boston last year to announce the 2020 Earthshot Prize winners
The Prince of Wales meets Pete Malinowski – CEO and co-founder of the Billion Oyster Project
Tomorrow, William will announce the 15 finalists for this year’s Earthshot Prize, which recognizes companies and projects focused on climate solutions
William will also meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres the week the UN General Assembly meets
The trip will see William visit a Manhattan fire station, meet with first responders and talk about mental health – his trip comes just a week after the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Pictured: A US Coast Guard boat awaits the arrival of the Prince of Wales
William founded the awards in 2020 and said he wanted to “transform the current pessimism around environmental issues into optimism by celebrating the people and places driving change.”
Each year between 2021 and 2030, an awards ceremony will honor the winners of the award’s five categories who create innovations that address environmental issues. Each winner will receive £1 million to support and expand their work.
However, this is William’s first visit to New York since 2014 and has been postponed from last year due to the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Ahead of William’s arrival, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Prince was incredibly grateful for the love and support shown to him by the American people during this time.”
“He’s really looking forward to being back in New York this week and hopefully meeting as many New Yorkers as possible.”
The trip will see William visit a Manhattan fire station, meet with first responders and talk about mental health – his trip comes just a week after the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
He will also meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres the week the UN General Assembly meets.
A meeting with US President Joe Biden, who is present, is “unlikely”, said the spokesman for Kensington Palace – the two men met in Boston last year.
This came just days after his brother, Prince Harry, told veterans not to “feel lost without a uniform” during an emotional closing speech at the Invictus Games – three years after he was stripped of his military titles in the wake of Megxit .
Prince Harry said in an emotional farewell speech during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf that people should not be defined by their past pain or backstory
Harry and Meghan stood and clapped for each of the teams. He sat next to Elke Budenbender, the wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
She watched in awe as the team took the stage to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” Meghan clapped to the song that echoed through the Merkur Spiel Arena and blew kisses to the team
The Duke of Sussex was visibly moved in a heartfelt speech at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.
The 39-year-old said in his five-minute closing speech that they “don’t have to rely on a uniform” and “they shouldn’t feel lost without a uniform.”
Prince Harry himself has not worn a uniform since he and Meghan left the United Kingdom in 2020 and was stripped of his military titles.
At the Queen’s funeral last year, Harry was pictured in a suit, while his father, King Charles, and older brother, Prince William, wore their uniforms.
At the Invictus Games, in his speech about why veterans don’t have to rely on their uniforms, Harry added, “Why?” Because everything you need is already within you. Tomorrow each of you will go home with memories that are different and unique to you.
“But I hope that each memory brings a smile to your face through a sense of belonging and an opportunity for you and your family to look to the future with value and meaning.”‘
Harry also told attendees how their “vulnerability” had opened the hearts of millions of people around the world.
Meghan Markle stood next to her husband in the crowd in a bright green dress. During the ceremony, she couldn’t hide her pride as she beamed at Team USA as they took their place at the Invictus Games closing ceremony.