The Prince of Wales paid tribute to a ranger killed by poachers as he delivered a landmark speech on the second day of his visit to Cape Town, South Africa.
During a landmark address at the United for Wildlife's third Global Summit on Tuesday, Prince William, 42, said: "We've just heard about the remarkable work of two exceptional rangers who embody the dedication of many conservation heroes worldwide,They have successfully fostered community engagement, and integrated traditional with contemporary conservation practices.
"Yet, far too often, they lack sufficient support, with rangers in particular facing inadequate pay and protection. This has come into even sharper focus over the past two years, following the murder of Anton Mzimba here in South Africa. Anton was assassinated in his home for doing his job…. protecting the incredible biodiversity of this country."
Anton, who was head of ranger services at Timbavati private game reserve in north-east South Africa, near the Kruger National Park, was killed by wildlife traffickers in 2022.
© Chris JacksonAt an earlier event during the day, the Prince of Wales was joined by Robert Irwin as he enjoyed a scenic nature walk up Signal Hill before his meeting with South Africa's President. The Australian conservationist was announced as an Earthshot Ambassador earlier this year and spoke with the royal about his late father Steve's legacy.
Speaking afterwards Robert, 20, said of his meeting with the Prince: "You can instantly tell that passion the rangers and volunteers have here on the ground here at Signal Hill rubs off on everyone. You just can’t help but fall in love with this place. Prince William, myself and everyone here have certainly fallen in love with Cape Town. It's a beautiful location and the conservation work is being done here, it just fills my heart with hope."
William, 42, also met with rangers and conservationists to discuss the importance of biodiversity, ahead of delivering what has been described as a landmark speech at the United for Wildlife Global Showcase.
Robert added: "I really loved having a conversation with Prince William about the importance of support for rangers. They are on the front line of conservation and you have to remember that these days conservation can be a dangerous business. And it's really nice to know that Prince William is ensuring rangers are valued and they get the resources and the support they need. Very encouraging steps in the right direction. It’s great that William is putting himself behind this. Protecting the environment is about protecting people too."
Signal Hill is part of the wider Table Mountain National Park and is recognised as one of the world's most remarkable attractions.
Overlooking the city, the Park affords residents and visitors an opportunity to experience spectacular scenery, including Table Mountain, the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean, while learning about the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site.
Rare and endangered plants make this area a biodiversity hotspot, in particular the unique fynbos, which constitute 80% of the species of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Take a look at the best photos from day two below...
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© Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesPrince William took in the views of Cape Town's famous Table Mountain when he hiked partway up a vantage point on Tuesday. He was joined by Robert Irwin, the 20-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin.
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© Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesWilliam strode up Signal Hill and met rangers and volunteer conservationists as he learned about the rare and endangered plants that are part of the area’s biodiversity.
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© GettyThe royal strode up Signal Hill and met rangers and volunteer conservationists as he learned about the rare and endangered plants that are part of the area's biodiversity.
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© GettySignal Hill is a Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site, boasting rare and endangered plants including the unique fynbos.
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© GettySpeaking to rangers who now have a team of seven dogs to help them in their work protecting the public and biodiversity, the Prince stopped to hello to Lia, a Dutch Shepherd dog, who was taking advantage of the moment to lie down.
Smiling he said: "Take your time, it's not a problem. That’s how we should all be today. She knows we're not a threat so she's taking some zzzs while she can."
He was told the dogs are a "critical" part of the team as they have "a much better sense of danger than we do".
Bending down to stroke her head the Prince said fondly: "Morning, sleepy are we today?"
Lia’s handler said she was "very calm".
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© GettyAfter walking up Signal Hill, the future King spoke with park rangers, firefighters, mountain rescue volunteers, biodiversity experts and youth volunteers about the rich diversity of fauna and flora and the work that they do together to protect the environment while ensuring that residents and tourists are able to enjoy the Park.
As he met with Megan Taplin, Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park and Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of the City of Cape Town, he remarked: "What a stunning spot to met you guys in. Look at this, it's amazing."
Asking about the effects of climate change, William said: "And what are you seeing in terms of impact in the park? Are you seeing more flash flooding?"
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© GettyWilliam then met with a group of young people from Mayine e-Africa about the importance of encouraging young people to visit the park.
Founder and teacher, Bathandwa Diniso, said the Prince is a "cool guy".
Speaking to HELLO!, she said of her interaction with William: "It was amazing. It was refreshing. From the day I heard that he was coming and that we were going to meet him, I was like, 'Am I dreaming?' I didn't even sleep that night. That's how amazing it is. Now even seeing him, interacting with him – he's a cool guy. And the he was asking the children questions with interest, and he was asking questions that I ask them when I do my workshops with them.
"I raise awareness about mental, emotional, physical and mental well-being and now we are linking it to the well-being of nature, teaching the children about the well-being of nature – take care of nature so that it can take care of you. If you're feeling stressed, go to nature, go talk to nature, go play with nature.
"I've been stressed and nature is one thing that I connected with and it helped me to get back to myself."
She added: "It was a beautiful event, not everyone gets to meet the Prince. We were told we were only going to have a few minutes with him but those minutes felt like the whole day."
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© GettyBefore heading off to meet the President, William joined the rangers, conservationists and young people for a group photo against the backdrop of Table Mountain. What a view!
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© GettyWilliam switched his sustainable casual attirehe wore for the walk up Signal Hill (a shirt by EcoAlf and jacket by Rapanui) to a navy blue suit with a shirt and tie for his meeting with South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa at his official residence in Cape Town.
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© GettyAntony Phillipson, Britain’s high commissioner to South Africa, said ahead of the audience: "I would just highlight that we are actually delighted to have the Prince of Wales here this week for Earthshot week, and we will be taking the opportunity of doing some bilateral events with him, and for him."
He added: "We very much see this as a follow-up to the state visit … which we continue to see here as a very historic moment between the UK and South Africa."
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© GettyAfter the meeting, Prince William took part in a panel discussion for Earthshot+ at Portside Tower.
He sat through an hour's summit at Earthshot+ which started with a vibrant performance by South African drummers in traditional dress.
The Prince heard of the importance of reaching the 30x30 target - a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30 per cent of Earth's land and ocean as protected areas by 2030 - and the need to bring Mother Nature into the boardroom.
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© GettyOne small detail captured the attention of royal fans everywhere was his charming friendship bracelet on his wrist, delicately beaded with the word "Papa".
HELLO! understands that the thoughtful accessory is a gift from Princess Charlotte, serving as a sweet reminder of his family while he spends time away from them.
