Prince William and David Beckham have joined forces to launch a new campaign in support of endangered species. The #WhoseSideAreYouOn campaign calls on members of the public to pick a side in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
"It's time to choose between critically endangered species and the criminals who kill them for money. Whose side are you on?" William wrote on the official website of his charity United for Wildlife ahead of the launch.
© Photo: RexDavid Beckham and Prince William
"We are not asking for your money," he added. "We are asking for your voice and your attention... Use the #WhoseSideAreYouOn hashtag to join the movement on Twitter and Facebook." As the charity's president, William kicked off the social media campaign on Monday. The Duke of Cambridge was seen arriving at Google Town Hall in London, alongside a host of famous faces including David. The pair have previously teamed up to show their support against poaching, hunting and illegal wildlife trafficking.
© Photo: RexPrince William
Addressing the crowd, William started by saying that United for Wildlife had set out such commitments back in February. "That was our first step," he said. "But we knew we needed to do more to bring this trade into the open. "Illegal wildlife trade thrives because it is hidden, it is invisible, making it easy for criminals to build and expand their violence and greed. We wanted to find a way to show the world what was happening. Our plea is this. Join us and help stop the illegal poaching."
© Photo: PAThe audience was then shown a short video highlighting the consequences of the trade, which has meant that "two thousand critically endangered species are on the verge of being lost forever."
© Photo: RexDavid Beckham and Prince William
Football legend David, who is an ambassador for United for Wildlife, also took to the stage, calling the situation "devastating" and insisting that "we need to do something now."
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David seemed particularly keen to back the latest campaign as it focuses on using sport to raise awareness of conservation issues. The cause has resonated with a host of sporting celebrities, including Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton and basketball champion Yao Ming, who are also ambassadors for the organisation.
Andy, Lewis and other stars have taken part in the trend of posting photos of themselves online, holding up placards that read, "#WhoseSideAreYouOn?" to encourage members of the public to follow suit. A few days before Monday's official launch, Princes William and Harry added a touch of royalty to the campaign by posing with similar signs that they had autographed.
