The green team: The blue-blooded tots saving our planet
…And his companions. The Cambridge kids teamed up with Sir David Attenborough to highlight the love of wildlife that’s part of their legacy
For the Royal Family, a passion for wildlife is in their DNA, with Charles and his father, Philip, before him being committed to conservation. Moreover, much to Prince William’s delight, it’s clear that his own brood are following in the family footsteps and taking an interest in preserving our precious wildlife.
And who better to show the Cambridge kids the ropes than the nation’s favourite conservationist – Sir David Attenborough.
Launching his latest wildlife documentary, A Life on Our Planet, on Netflix, the 94-yearold national treasure paired up with the Royal children – virtually, of course – to answer questions that the curious trio had come up with.
It was the first time the three had been seen speaking together – and the first time that Prince Louis, aged two, has ever been heard speaking.
Seven-year-old George kicked off the proceedings – asking Sir David what animal he thought would be next to become extinct – of course, the conservationist said he hoped that no more species would disappear.
Next was Princess Charlotte, five, weighing in with a very cute ‘Hello, David Attenborough – I like spiders, do you like spiders too?’ He was happy to tell her that, in fact, he loved them and was glad to hear that Charlotte shared his enthusiasm. Finally, up popped Prince Louis with ‘ What animal do you like?’ Sir David expressed an enthusiasm for monkeys – before pointing out that, if it had to be a household animal, he would choose ‘a puppy’.
Last week it was announced that Prince William had become patron of charities Fauna & Flora International and the British Trust for Ornithology, taking over from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
William recently took part in an ITV documentary Prince William: A Planet for Us All, which followed him for two years as he embarked on a global mission to mobilise action for the natural world. The Royal also launched his Earthshot Prize initiative, which is designed to reward 50 environmental pioneers with £1 million to further their work in tackling major problems impacting the environment.
Speaking about his passion for conservation, William said, ‘My grandfather, my father, have been in conservation, the environmental work for many years. My grandfather was well ahead of his time. My father was ahead of his time. I really want to make sure that, in 20 years, George doesn’t turn around and say, are you ahead of your time? Because if he does, we’re too late.’
Doubtless, he will be delighted that his brood are getting off to such a good, ‘green’ start.