Prince William Just Called Climate Action a "Team Sport" and Honestly, He's Not Wrong

By HOAR Team 25 June, 2025 4 mins read 116 Views

Look, I've covered enough royal events to know when someone's just going through the motions. But yesterday at Bloomberg's London headquarters, Prince William actually sounded like he gave a damn.

The future king stood up in front of a Climate Week crowd and basically said what we've all been thinking: saving this planet isn't a one-person job. "Everything we want to do here starts with a team game," he told the audience, talking about his Earthshot Prize that hands out £1 million each year to five environmental innovators.

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The Village Metaphor That Actually Made Sense

Here's where William got unexpectedly philosophical. "It takes a village to raise a family," he said, then added something that made me stop scrolling through my phone: "If you take that into the concept of a planet, it takes all of us to raise that planet."

God. When did the royals start making actual sense?

The prince explained that his prize - which has been running every year this decade - is really just "the pinnacle of the ability to showcase all the brilliant people around working in this space." Translation: he knows he's not the hero here, just the guy with the platform and the cash.

Rio Gets Political (With William Right There)

Things got spicy when they announced this year's Earthshot awards will happen in Rio de Janeiro this November. Rio's mayor Eduardo Paes was on the panel and decided to throw some serious shade at Trump's environmental record. With William sitting right there in the audience.

"Local governments, we don't want to do any politics here," Paes started (which is always code for 'I'm about to get very political'), "but we saw what Donald Trump did in his first term. If it was not for the local governments, for teh mayors, the US would be in big trouble."

The audacity. I loved it.

Bloomberg Throws His Own Subtle Jab

Michael Bloomberg, never one to miss an opportunity, chimed in with his own diplomatic burn. The former New York mayor praised William and King Charles, saying "the UK is very well served." Then came the kicker: while there's "good reason to be optimistic" about our planet's future, "America has not been doing its share lately."

Poor William probably didn't expect to be sitting in the middle of international climate diplomacy drama when he woke up yesterday morning.

Why This Actually Matters

Here's the thing about the Earthshot Prize that most people miss - it's not just royal virtue signaling. These £1 million awards are going to actual innovators doing real work. And William's "team game" comment hits different when you realize he's basically admitting the monarchy can't fix climate change alone.

Which feels... refreshingly honest? Like, finally, someone in that family acknowledging they need help from the rest of us mere mortals.

The whole event felt less like a typical royal appearance and more like William actually engaging with the messy reality of climate politics. Even if it meant sitting through mayors roasting the US President while cameras rolled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the roles of royalty in modern society?

In modern society, royal families often serve as symbols of national identity and continuity. They may engage in charitable activities, represent their countries at diplomatic events, and participate in cultural ceremonies, although their political power is often limited.

What is the significance of royal titles?

Royal titles signify rank and status within the hierarchy of a royal family. They can also reflect the history and traditions of a nation, with titles such as king, queen, duke, and duchess carrying specific cultural meanings and responsibilities.

How do royal weddings differ from regular weddings?

Royal weddings typically feature grand ceremonies with significant media coverage, elaborate attire, and extensive guest lists that include dignitaries and members of the aristocracy. They often adhere to traditional protocols and customs unique to royal families.

What is the historical significance of royalty?

Historically, royalty has played a pivotal role in shaping nations, influencing laws, and establishing social order. Monarchs often acted as mediators in conflicts and were seen as embodiments of their nation's identity and unity.

Statistics

The average age of reigning monarchs worldwide is approximately 63 years old, reflecting both longevity and the hereditary nature of royal succession.
According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
The global fascination with royal families is evident, as books, films, and documentaries about them frequently top bestseller lists and viewership ratings.
The royal family of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years.
Research indicates that public support for monarchy in the UK remains strong, with around 70% of the population favoring the institution.
In Sweden, the monarchy has been a constitutional institution since 1809, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving since 1973.
Royal weddings often attract massive global audiences, with the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 drawing an estimated 29 million viewers in the United States alone.
Public engagements and charitable work by royal family members have been shown to improve public perceptions of the monarchy, as seen in various surveys across Europe.

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How To

How To Learn About Royal Etiquette

Learning about royal etiquette is essential for understanding the traditions and protocols associated with royalty. Start by researching the specific customs and rules that govern royal behavior in different cultures, as these can vary significantly. Key aspects include proper greetings, dress codes, and dining manners. Consider attending workshops or seminars that focus on etiquette, as they often provide practical guidance. Reading books or articles on the subject can also offer insights into the nuances of royal etiquette. Observing royal events and noting the behavior of royal family members can help reinforce your understanding of these important social norms.