The royals may have to choose between planet and monarchy
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were a knockout at the ceremony for the first Earthshot Prize, awarded by the Royal Foundation. I can’t improve on the words of Daniel Craig who recently told Kate, who wore a waterfall of gold to the James Bond premiere: “You look jolly lovely.” The prize, which will be awarded annually for five years, is given to winners who come up with ideas to “substantially help the environment”. Guests were asked to wear something eco-friendly so Kate recycled a lilac Alexander Mcqueen gown while William rocked a bottle green velvet jacket over a black polo neck, which I found myself hoping had been worn by Prince Philip circa 1961. Actress Emma Watson arrived in an outfit cunningly stitched out of 10 dresses from Oxfam, which made her look like someone who went to the loo and failed to untuck the back of her party frock from her knickers.
The winners were worthy. No one could fail to be impressed by the Indian company whose small portable device helps end the burning of agricultural waste, vastly improving air quality. And molto bene to Milan whose “food-waste hubs” distribute unwanted food to citizens in need.
But I couldn’t help feeling a flicker of apprehension at royal involvement in what could turn out to be a highly controversial, political issue. Prince William is following both his father and grandfather in championing the environment. But we are no longer just talking about Charles conversing with euphorbias or campaigning to save the rhino. The Green Industrial Revolution is going to cost untold billions. A green levy already adds a big chunk to our fuel bills at a time when energy prices are soaring. The average energy bill is predicted to reach £2,000 by April. That may count as small change in Kensington Palace, but it’s enough to plunge thousands into fuel poverty.
The Cambridges are adored for their sense of duty. And Prince William may want to save the planet. But he should be careful not to jeopardise the monarchy in the process.