Singapore is gearing up for a royal visit next month as Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, will travel to the Southeast Asian country to lead the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony.
Kensington Palace confirmed today that the event will mark a notable absence – the first time his wife, the Princess of Wales, Catherine AKA Kate Middleton, will not be accompanying him on this environmental mission.
The Prince of Wales is set to arrive in Singapore on Sunday, Nov. 5, and his visit will extend until Wednesday, Nov. 8. The prestigious Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, now in its third edition, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Speculation had been rife in recent weeks about the Princess of Wales’ attendance at the event, given the overlap with Prince George’s school exams. While the palace had hinted that Kate might not be present, an official media release sent overnight omitted any reference to her participation, confirming her absence.
Sources close to the royal family suggest that Catherine opted to stay home to provide support to Prince George during his examination period.
The Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony will bring together Prince William with activists, innovators, policymakers, and globally renowned talent, all gathered to celebrate the 2023 cohort of 15 finalists. Five winners will be selected and awarded for their extraordinary efforts to address pressing environmental challenges.
Kensington Palace has disclosed that during Prince William’s stay in Singapore, he will immerse himself in the local culture, meeting with residents to understand the work of organizations focused on preserving and restoring the planet. These initiatives range from combating the illegal wildlife trade and rainforest protection to promoting cutting-edge innovations.
An exciting addition to the program is the inauguration of “Earthshot Week,” featuring a series of events aimed at fostering collaboration between businesses, investors, and Earthshot Prize winners and finalists. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of environmental solutions and drive concrete action to heal our planet.
In addition to the Earthshot Prize Awards, Prince William will also attend the United for Wildlife Global Summit 2023, emphasizing his commitment to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
The royal visit will commence with an event at the renowned Rain Vortex at Changi Airport, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Over the following days, Prince William will participate in dragon boating, a popular sport in Singapore that brings together locals and expatriates from across the Commonwealth.
