Prince William Attends Earthshot Prize Ceremony in a Thrifted Blazer He Found at a Vintage Store As He Shares Royal Family's Sustainable Habits
"You just try to do what you can."


Prince William's annual Earthshot Prize ceremony has always put focus on a sustainable dress code, and this year the Prince of Wales took his look to the next level by wearing a vintage blazer with sustainably made sneakers.
William, 42, walked the green carpet in Cape Town, South Africa while rocking a gray double-breasted suit jacket in a very fitting Prince of Wales check. Per multiple outlets, the royal found his blazer at a London vintage shop—and we love a prince who practices what he preaches.
He kept the sustainable theme going with casual white sneakers from Purified, a brand that was created by Earthshot Prize finalist Mary Allen from Natural Fiber Welding. "He said he’s got a pair!” Allen told People earlier Wednesday while attending an event at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden before the ceremony.
The Prince of Wales added a sweet detail to his look, wearing the beaded friendship bracelet reading "PAPA" that Princess Charlotte made for him to wear during the trip.
The look was much more laid-back than what the Prince of Wales has worn for previous Earthshot ceremonies; last year, he rocked an emerald green velvet tuxedo jacket and a bow tie to the awards, which were held in Singapore.
William chose a Prince of Wales check jacket for the 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony.
While Kate Middleton wasn't able to join William in South Africa or Singapore, the Princess of Wales stuck to the green dress code (quite literally) for the 2022 Boston event by wearing a vivid lime evening gown she rented from a fashion site.
As for his family's sustainable habits, Prince William told a group of journalists (via People) that "every family tries to do what they can to sort of help with the environment."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
When it comes to kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, the Prince of Wales said the family goes "through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimize water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that."
"I think every family has these conversations," he added. "You just try to do what you can."
Prince William walked the green carpet with conservationist Robert Irwin (left) and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha (right).
Growing up with a famously environmentally conscious father like King Charles, it's no surprise that William is focused on turning off lights, a habit that The King is famous for doing over the years. In fact, William and brother Prince Harry discussed the topic in the documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 (via Aberdeen Live).
"He's a stickler for turning lights off, and that's now something that I'm obsessed with as well, which is insane because actually, my wife goes 'Well, why turn the lights off? You know it's dark'," Harry said.
The Duke of Sussex mused that these things turn into "a habit and those small habit changes he's making, every single person can do. And I think that's one of the key lessons certainly that I felt that he taught us."
Prince William chimed in that he's "got serious OCD on light switches now which is terrible." Sounds like he's kept that habit going for his kids.

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Taylor and Travis Debut Hers-and-His Stanely Cup Sweatsuits
The couple made a surprise appearance for Game 4 of the championship.
-
Confirmed: Dua Lipa's Diamond Ring Is of the Engagement Variety
It has a romantic backstory, too.
-
Every Stylish Woman I Know Is Obsessed with this Expensive-Looking Nail Polish Shade
24 luxe options that work with every skin tone.
-
The "Cheeky" Joke Prince William Made Referencing a Former Queen at Formal Windsor Castle Event
The Prince of Wales was speaking to 'Bad Sisters' star Anne-Marie Duff at the time.
-
How Prince George and Prince William's "Shared Passion" Made a Windsor Castle Event "Extra Special" for One Attendee
The father and son duo have made quite the impact.
-
Princess Eugenie Has Allegedly "Formed an Alliance" With Prince William, Which Could Impact Her Future Within the Royal Family
A "shared passion" has "brought the cousins closer together."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
The "Staggering" Drug Smuggling Shipment Prince William Helped Intercept With the Royal Navy in 2008
William experienced "a lot of excitement and a lot of danger," per a royal expert.
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate Are "Preparing" George, Charlotte, and Louis for "Their Future Roles" Within the Royal Family
"William takes his responsibilities...very seriously," a royal expert explained.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
The Unexpected Attribute Kate Middleton Has Been "Teased" About by Other Members of the Royal Family
It turns out she takes after The King.