I was in the room as Prince William gave his Earthshot speech – and 1 thing went unnoticed

Powerful, impactful, and optimistic were just some of the phrases used to describe the Prince of Wales’s speech last night. Addressing a room packed full of environmental innovators, William underscored his growing role as a global statesman by urging businesses, politicians and civil society to come together and tackle the climate crisis head on.

“The issues that continue to face our world are a threat to all of us, but when we unite, our momentum is unstoppable,” he said. William is using language to focus on the good that can be done, using the winners of his Earthshot Prize to highlight that progress is possible - it’s not all doom and gloom.

By framing his speech in this light, he gives people hope, as the prince speaks of his own optimism that things will change for future generations - including his three young children.

At the conclusion of his speech, he also made a very sweet gesture to the four youngsters who had joined him on stage, reaching out for their hands and holding them as they walked off stage together.

And after a tumultuous few weeks for the Royal Family, it’s good to see the King and his heir working together on a shared passion, as Charles saw a preview of William’s Earthshot speech.

The 76-year-old monarch, who has spent much of his life championing the environment, discussed the speech with his son before he headed for Rio, offering guidance and advice on what his son should say.

Today, William will fly almost 2,000 miles to Belem, in the Amazon rainforest, to deliver a speech as part of COP30.

The prince is attending the annual UN climate meeting on behalf of his father.

His speech to world leaders there will strike a different tone, as William is delivering it on behalf of the British Government.

But the message remains clear, the heir to the throne is serious about protecting the planet and is more than willing to be a leading global voice for change.