Prince William made a surprise appearance on a special Earthshot Prize edition of The Graham Norton Show, joining an A-list guest lineup. The episode airs on BBC One on Friday, October 23.
The future king was joined by Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham for the environmental award-themed show, surprising the audience to discuss the prize that connects all four guests.
Guests and Their Roles
Blanchett is an Earthshot Prize council member, Irwin is a global ambassador for the prize, and Waddingham hosted the 2023 Earthshot awards in Singapore. Their shared connection to the environmental initiative formed the basis of the conversation.
William spoke about the origins of the prize and its role in identifying and supporting innovators around the world. Blanchett described the prize as a "tapestry of solutions," while Irwin discussed the prize's role in building a new generation of environmental advocates.
Upcoming Mumbai Ceremony
The Earthshot Prize will take place in Mumbai in November, where William will meet Bollywood stars as he learns about India's film industry, play with cricketing royalty, and preside over the ceremony awarding £5 million in prize money.
Alongside the global finalists, children across India were encouraged to tackle environmental issues this year under the "I can Earthshot Challenge." The project, halfway through its decades-long cycle, recognises and rewards ideas to help save the planet.
First Asian Staging
This year marks the first time the award is staged in Asia. Since its launch in 2021, it has been held in Europe (London), Asia (Singapore), Africa (Cape Town), North America (Boston), and South America (Rio de Janeiro).
The Earthshot Prize edition of The Graham Norton Show airs Friday evening at 22.40 on BBC One as part of the countdown to the awards next month.
