The prince of wales touched down at Singapore Changi Airport to a rock star welcome from cheering fans holding homemade signs, waving Union Jack flags and clutching photos of his late mother Princess Diana. The 41-year-old was on the island for this year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony and to visit local organizations working to protect and restore the planet.
He was joined by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K. Brown, as well as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The trio walked down a “green carpet,” and the stars wore eco-friendly clothes made by designers such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.
William was a natural as he chatted to the crowds lining the runway at the new Jewel Changi Airport, where the royal was greeted by children holding up signs and pictures of their idol. He shook hands and waved to the delighted crowd before making his way inside where he was welcomed by Singapore officials and representatives from the environmental charity, Earthshot.
He posed for a group photo before being introduced to the evening’s winners. The honorees were Accion Andina, GRST, S4S Technologies and WildAid Marine Program – all organisations that are taking innovative steps to address climate change. William congratulated the winners and said he was impressed by their work to help make the world a better place.
In a speech, the prince addressed the challenges of climate change and the need to do all we can to combat it. He said that we must “redouble our efforts and make a global impact.” William also called for more investment in renewable energy and a global carbon tax. He said the Earthshot prize had done an amazing job promoting solutions for climate change and highlighted the role of entrepreneurs in tackling this issue.
During the celebrations, there were some controversial moments when people shouted at him to be more vocal about climate change. He replied that he had been quiet for too long and would try to be more active in the future.
The prince of wales was in town for the third annual Earthshot Prize ceremony and to visit local organisations working on environmental issues. He will also try his hand at dragon boating, a popular sport in Singapore and elsewhere around the world, and meet Singaporeans to see how they are working to protect and restore the planet.
The NUS History Book Prize is awarded to publications that have made a lasting impact on our understanding of Singapore’s past. The winning entry, Leluhur: Singapore Kampong Gelam, is a non-fiction work with a personal slant that sheds light on a community many now only know of as a tourist attraction. The citation describes it as “a synthesis of history and primary source.” It was co-authored by historian Hidayah Afiqah, who lives in Gedung Kuning, which was once the home of Kampong Glam residents. She spent two to three years interviewing former residents of the neighborhood, and was able to incorporate their stories into her writing.