PRINCE WILLIAM JOINS GRAHAM NORTON FOR EARTHSHOT PRIZE EPISODE

Prince William made a surprise appearance on The Graham Norton Show, becoming the first member of the royal family to sit on its sofa. He joined Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham for an episode focused on the Earthshot Prize. The audience greeted William with cheers as Graham Norton introduced him to the other guests. William also spoke about his support for Aston Villa and his admiration for Christopher Nolan’s films. The pre-recorded episode is due to air on 23 October at 10.40pm.

William founded the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to support solutions to environmental problems. He said the prize helps innovators expand their work and argued that tackling climate change requires a global coalition of innovators, investors and advocates. Blanchett, an Earthshot Prize Council member, called the initiative a “tapestry of solutions”. Irwin serves as a global ambassador for the prize, while Waddingham hosted its 2023 awards in Singapore. Waddingham said finalists receive access to expertise, networks and investment to help develop their work.

The Earthshot Prize awards £1 million in each of five categories. Its finalists this year include projects involving AI wildfire detection in Argentina, recycling in South Korea and coastal redevelopment in Barcelona. Irwin spoke about the prize’s role in inspiring young people to work on environmental issues. Other members of the royal family have appeared on chat shows: Princess Anne appeared on Wogan in 1985, followed by Prince Philip in 1986.