ON THE MEND
Prince William gives update on Princess Kate’s health and says ‘she’s been amazing this year’ after cancer diagnosis
William's outfit included a touching gesture to one of his children
PRINCE William has given an update on Princess Kate's health - saying 'she's been amazing this year' after her cancer diagnosis.
The prince said he hopes Kate will be "cheering me on" at tonight's Earthshot Prize in Cape Town.
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Wills, 42, has travelled to South Africa without the Princess of Wales who is continuing her recovery from cancer after completing chemotherapy.
He also lifted the lid on how Kate and his three children stay environmentally-friendly at Adelaide Cottage - as he calls for "hope and optimism".
Speaking to BBC and Sky News in Cape Town ahead of his £50million Earthshot Prize, he said: "She's doing really well, thanks. And hopefully she is watching tonight.
"So cheering me on. She's been amazing this whole, this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."
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In a touching gesture, the prince has been wearing a bracelet made by Princess Charlotte, 9, to wear during his four-day trip.
Wills revealed all, saying: "Well, this is a this is, I think, a relic, if you like, from a Taylor Swift concert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for.
"She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised that wear it and try not to lose while I was out here."
The fourth Earthshot Prize is in Africa as a 'homecoming' after William dreamt up the idea while in Namibia.
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Five winners will scoop £1million each at a glittering ceremony held in an environmentally-friendly eco-dome and green carpet twice the size of a rugby pitch.
Speaking about Africa he said: "I've been greatly looking forward to the time I can bring Earthshot to Africa.
Princess Kate: A Journey to Being Cancer Free
"I love this continent. And have spent many a year looking around exploring it.
"I'm just really thrilled to have the reception of the exuberance and energy that's going to be in this room tonight around Earthshot in South Africa."
The prince launched his prize to find solutions to climate change and inject optimism into the debate.
He added: "I think everyone wants some hope and wants some optimism.
"I think the Earthshot encompasses urgent optimism. That's what we're here for.
"And as I think you will see tonight, the amount of youth from Africa who'll be in here.
"They'll be letting you know and letting everyone know that it matters to them.
"And without them, you know, the future is looking pretty bleak. So these are the game changers.
"These are the innovators. These are the inventors that are going to make the world a better place for us in the future."
The prince, who has worn eco-friendly shirts and ties during his trip, was questioned about how he and Kate and their three children stay green at home in Windsor.
He said: "Every family tries to do what they can to sort of help with the environment.
"We go through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimise water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that, and making sure, which is sensible in what we do around the environment.
"And I think every family has these conversations. You just try to do what you can.
"The Earthshot Prize has got to be a bit more global than that. We are trying to do big scale ambition and big scale business to tackle some of the solutions.
";But I brought the children along that journey and tonight I hope they are watching.
"Yhey are proud of kind of what we are try to do here, which is to really galvanise that energy that enthusiasm to make real impact."
William is making a speech later tonight when he unveils the five winners each pocketing £1million.
William also went for a hike with a TV icon's son - posing for a selfie and revealing his favourite animal.
The Prince of Wales joined Robert Irwin for a walk up Signal Hill, which overlooks the South African city of Cape Town.
Robert is the son of Aussie nature presenter Steve Irwin, known to millions as the Crocodile Hunter.
William, 42, posed for a video selfie with Robert at the top of Signal Hill, which is next to Table Mountain.
She's been amazing this whole, this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success
Prince William
In the clip, Robert asked him: "Do you have a favourite African animal?"
The prince replied: "Oh, it's a really tough question. My children ask me this regularly.
"I'm think I'm going to have to say the cheetah. Very cool, fantastic animals."
Revealing his own favourite animal, Robert said that chameleons are "unsung heroes".
An impressed William said: "I love them."
As the pair clambered up the rock-strewn hill, William said: "I'll try not to wipe myself out in front of everybody."
Signal Hill is a Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site, boasting rare and endangered plants including the unique fynbos.
William was told while it is rare for bigger game to visit it is a haven for bird and insect life.
He said: "Well it’s looking spectacular at the moment."
Speaking to rangers, he said: "What a stunning spot to met you guys in. Look at this, it’s amazing."
The prince wore an eco-friendly shirt by EcoAlf and a jacket by Rapanui.
The Prince stopped to hello to Lia, a Dutch Shepherd dog, who was taking advantage of the moment to lie down.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
Jan 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
Jan 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Jan 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside
Jan 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week
Jan 29: Kate leaves hospital
Feb 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
Mar 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King's Birthday Parade
June 15: Kate beams as she joins her family at the annual Trooping the Colour event
July 14: The royal attends Wimbledon with sister Pippa and Princess Charlotte to hand out trophies to players
July 15: Kate shares a touching photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching England in the Euro 2024 final
August 11: She joins a bearded Prince William in a video to congratulate Team GB in the Olympics
September 9: Kate reveals her treatment for cancer has finished
Smiling, he said: "Take your time, it’s not a problem. That’s how we should all be today.
"She knows we’re not a threat so she’s taking some ZZZs while she can."
William also praised the work the rangers which is often low paid and incredibly dangerous.
He said: "You guys put yourself at risk keeping wildlife and tourists safe."
On their hike William and Robert discussed conservation work in South Africa.
William is in the country for four days - culminating in his fourth £50million Earthshot Prize.
Yesterday William began his trip by playing touch rugby with kids — and renewing his acquaintance with “The Beast”.
He was spotted laughing when two lads grabbed him as he ran with the ball in Cape Town.
Also taking part in the game was 22-stone Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira — a former rugby star he first met after Wales played the Springboks in 2014.
Wills joked with the 6ft 6ins prop: “You’re still as big as you were — bigger!”
The Prince and rugby ace laughed as they recalled the last time they met in a changing room after the Springboks beat Wales a decade ago.
The Beast said afterwards: “He came into the dressing room and I was only dressed in my towel.
" I said it was nice to shake your hand now I’m fully dressed - as opposed to half-naked."
The visit was held to support The Atlas Foundation charity which takes rugby to kids living in poverty.
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He kicked off the trip at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme at Cape Town venue, Rooftop on Bree - with its stunning views of Table Mountain.
And told 120 future leaders from Africa and Asia “you are going to change the world”.
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