Prince William Talks to UN Leaders via Video Call After Harry’s Appearance

Prince William recently addressed United Nations leaders shortly after his brother, Prince Harry, spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative. In a video message presented at a Campaign for Nature event during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, the Prince of Wales emphasized the urgent need for action regarding climate change.

“We are living at odds with the natural world — and it is buckling under the pressure of our actions,” William stated. He underscored the necessity for world leaders to “make peace with nature,” describing the climate crisis as an “existential threat.”

To ensure a livable planet for future generations, William urged immediate action: “If we are to keep this planet liveable for our children and grandchildren, we must act urgently,” he said. He highlighted the importance of reshaping our relationship with the natural environment.

William also called for an end to unsustainable practices concerning the production and consumption of natural resources. He advocated for urgent measures to protect vital ecosystems, including rivers, oceans, savannas, mangroves, and forests. He also emphasized the need to support the communities living alongside these resources.

On the same day, Prince Harry visited the UN as part of his and Meghan Markle’s nonprofit organization, The Archewell Foundation. The foundation introduced its new Parents Network at the Clinton Global Initiative, where Harry discussed the significant risks social media poses to children.

“If we allow the status quo to remain in an age where our lives are intertwined with technology, we cannot afford to only see the online world as a space for profitability, competition and rapid growth instead,” Harry remarked. He noted that unlike today’s children, who are digital natives, he grew up without smartphones, arguing that young people are often trapped by mindless content they are ill-prepared to navigate.

“Young people are kept there by mindless, endless, numbing, scrolling, force-fed content that no child should ever be exposed to,” he asserted. He called for shareholders to hold CEOs accountable for the dangers pervasive in the digital space.

During his trip to New York, Harry also took time to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, at a panel for The Diana Award. This organization, established in memory of Diana, recognizes young individuals committed to initiating change through diverse initiatives.

“I applaud you for certainly, at your age, to be on this stage, to have the confidence that you do, and to be able to speak as clearly and as passionately as you do,” Harry expressed while addressing the award recipients. “I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys … all of the award winners.”

Though the brothers were in close proximity at the UN, their relationship has been strained since Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. Their relationship has faced additional challenges after the couple spoke out about their experiences within the royal family. The release of Harry’s memoir, Spare, further complicated interactions between the brothers.

The distance between Prince William and Prince Harry remains a significant topic, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics amid public scrutiny. As the brothers pursue their individual initiatives, their once tightly-knit bond seems increasingly distant.