
Few issues are as pressing as addressing climate change, and the royals know it. Between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle using their platform to call attention to the climate crisis, Prince William’s groundbreaking Earthshot prize aimed to fund environmental solutions, and Prince Charles’s announcement of his environmentally focused economic recovery plan Terra Carta—this family is all-in when it comes to tackling this problem.
But in an interview with Express UK, royal expert Dr. Ed Owens, an honorary research associate at Royal Holloway University’s Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy, says there may be more than collaboration on the brain when it comes to how Prince Charles and Prince William approach their environmental initiatives. “Interestingly,” said Owens, “Charles and William seem to be both competing for this image as the environmentalist king-in-waiting.”
While Charles is next in line for the throne, a new poll of 3,000 British citizens showed that William was a slightly more popular choice for King—something that may inform Charles’s outspoken environmental stances. “They never associate themselves with controversial topics because if it's controversial it means they become politicised - and they are not allowed to be politicised,” Owens says of the royals. "So the great thing about the environment is that it is broadly accepted by a large majority now [who agree] that climate change is a problem.” As a result, Owens added, “they are both looking to try and seize the limelight in terms of responding to environmental concerns."
Hours away till the first-ever #EarthshotPrize awards 🌎 Join us on tonight at 8pm BST | @BBCOne | https://t.co/gVUevGPMct | #EarthshotLondon2021 pic.twitter.com/10RfYw9ARuOctober 17, 2021
Whether or not this friendly competition truly exists, there are far worse issues for which to mobilize royal resources than the environment. But let’s not be too hasty when it comes to pitting the royals against each other on this topic, either: In an announcement this weekend, according toITV, Prince Charles said that he was “very proud” of William for his dedication to Earthshot and larger environmental causes.
The inaugural Earthshot Prize winners will be announced Sunday at 8pm BST.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
‘Harry & Meghan’ Director Liz Garbus Says Buckingham Palace Tried to “Discredit” the Docuseries
Despite the Palace’s claims otherwise, Garbus says the show did reach out to them for comment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Would Have Been the “First to Hear” of Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy, Expert Says
Eugenie is arguably the member of the royal family the Sussexes remain closest to.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Where Has Meghan Markle Been Lately?
Largely unseen during the ‘Spare’ mayhem, she is apparently “happy to let Harry take center stage.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn