Prince William delivers speech at Earthshot event just days after Princess Beatrice stepped in for her cousin
A sharp-suited William addressed crowds of key figures in climate science
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Prince William stepped out alongside celebrities and influential figures in the capital today to celebrate the launch of a special Earthshot Prize event celebrating "climate innovators" during London Climate Action Week.
The future King was seen rubbing shoulders with Hannah Waddingham, Stella McCartney and one-time US Presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg - with whom he partnered for the event's sponsorship - in order to show off news and developments from previous Earthshot finalists.
The event, the inaugural "Earthshot Prize Innovation Camp", saw a sharp-suited William address crowds of key figures in climate science and technology.
But his appearance follows a no-show at another Earthshot outing just days prior, owing to his commitments at the State visit of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
A sharp-suited William addressed crowds of key figures in climate science
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The Prince's pet prize partnered with business tycoon and ex-NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg
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William's involvement in the UK-Japanese event - which saw him greet the Imperial Family's two most senior figures at Horse Guards Parade - meant the 42-year-old prince miss out on attending the "Earthshot Prize Water Roundtable" on the same day.
Filling in for the first in line was his cousin, Princess Beatrice, who was spotted hobnobbing with investors and philanthropists who were gathered to discuss water as an "emerging investment theme".
Fans had quickly weighed in to support Beatrice; one wrote on social media: "Well done Beatrice, you're really stepping up and supporting the family."
While another said: "Wonderful to hear! I hope we see more of Princess Beatrice."
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The future King met Hannah Waddingham and Stella McCartney at the London event
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William wore a blue-green tie, likely symbolising the planet Earth
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One more had added: "Glad to see you looking confident and in control while helping out. I am certain that you will do a fine job now and in the future. Best wishes to you."
While Beatrice took the praise, William's commitments at Buckingham Palace also prevented him from pursuing another personal passion: Euro 2024 in Germany, and England's 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
Princess Beatrice and Prince William's relationship had been praised on the latest episode of GB News' flagship podcast, The Royal Record.
Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker said: "What's lovely about Prince William's generation is the beautiful bond that he has with his cousins.
Princess Beatrice filled in for William on Tuesday
Getty"I mean, we saw it last week with Zara, Princess Eugenie at the garden party, [then] a few weeks before that, all the cousins rallying around William [in] these beautiful bonds."
Cameron drew attention to the possible future of the relationship between Prince William's children and Prince Harry's - and flagged concerns over what could happen if the Sussexes stayed in California.
Referencing William's relationship with figures like Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, he said: "George, Charlotte and Louis are not going to have that with their two cousins, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - it's really sad to see, and it's also not their fault.
"It's going to be interesting in 20 years' time to see if there is any relationship between Archie and Lilibet - if they stay in California - and the three royal children here in the UK."