Monaco, June 8, 2025 — Prince William, the Prince of Wales, took centre stage in Monaco on Sunday, delivering a stirring speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) and calling for urgent global action to protect the world’s oceans.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the future king underscored the growing crisis facing marine life, driven by climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

“Healthy oceans are essential to all life on Earth,” Prince William told an audience that included French President Emmanuel Macron, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, and Prince Albert of Monaco.
“We come together today united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety.”

The event, held at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum, marked a significant moment in Prince William’s growing role as a global statesman — particularly as his father, King Charles III, continues cancer treatment.

Like his father, the Prince of Wales has long been an advocate for environmental protection, making the fight to safeguard the oceans a natural extension of his global platform.

Oceans in Crisis

According to the United Nations, the world’s oceans are facing an “emergency”, with only 3% currently under protection — far short of the goal to safeguard 30% of land and sea by 2030. Oceans cover 70% of Earth’s surface, generate half of its oxygen, and provide food for more than 3 billion people.

Prince William warned that while oceans may seem distant from daily life, their health is vital for humanity’s survival.

“All too often, it can feel distant and disconnected from our everyday lives… allowing us to forget just how vital it is,” he said.

Earthshot Solutions in Action

The forum also spotlighted real-world solutions through Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, which funds innovative environmental projects.

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Among the initiatives presented were:

• Coral Vita, a 2021 Earthshot Prize winner that has restored over 100,000 corals across 52 species.
• Pristine Seas, which has helped protect vast marine areas equivalent to the size of Germany, in collaboration with Indigenous communities and national governments.

These efforts demonstrate that while the threats to the ocean are immense, hope and innovation remain alive.

Building Global Momentum

Prince William’s speech comes amid increasing international pressure on world leaders to commit funding and implement stronger protections for the oceans. The Prince is also working to elevate environmental voices, recently appearing in a short film with legendary conservationist Sir David Attenborough, who returns this month with a new documentary: Ocean with David Attenborough.

As Prince William prepares for the fifth year of the Earthshot Prize, his commitment to driving policy change, funding, and innovation for a sustainable planet is clear.

The Monaco appearance further cements his position as a leading global advocate for environmental protection — and as a new-generation royal ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.