Prince William is building a powerful legacy—not only for his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—but for an entire generation, according to his friend and fellow conservationist, Robert Irwin.
Speaking at the Earthshot Prize and Bloomberg Leading With Impact event in London, the Australian wildlife presenter praised the Prince of Wales for his leadership and unwavering dedication to the £50 million Earthshot Prize, an ambitious ten-year initiative aimed at tackling the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“Prince William is certainly creating an amazing legacy for his kids and for an entire generation to take inspiration from,” Robert said. “I have no doubt they’ll continue that mission. It’s a wonderful thing to witness.”
Robert, the son of legendary conservationist Steve Irwin, drew comparisons between his own upbringing and the Prince’s early experiences with nature. “I was raised in a family that built a legacy of conservation and positivity. Similarly, Prince William grew up travelling the world, experiencing wildlife firsthand. That kind of early exposure clearly shaped his passion for the planet.”
Now an Earthshot Prize Ambassador, Robert spoke from personal experience, having joined Prince William in Cape Town for last year’s awards ceremony. He described the Prince’s authenticity and passion as “deeply encouraging” for fellow conservationists.
“William’s commitment is genuine—whether he’s on camera or behind the scenes, he brings the same energy and purpose,” Robert said. “He has chosen to use his platform not just to carry on the royal legacy but to build his own. And he’s doing an outstanding job.”
Reflecting on the progress of Earthshot five years in, Robert noted how Prince William continues to evolve in his approach. “He’s adding new tools to the tool belt—finding fresh ways, forging new collaborations, and constantly adapting to the changing landscape. Every Earthshot Prize year is a step closer to the 2030 deadline, and he feels that urgency deeply. But despite the pressure, optimism remains at the heart of this mission.”
Robert emphasized that Prince William is not only a figurehead but a true leader in the fight for a sustainable future. “When we talk, he’s always interested in what I’m working on, and how we’re pushing the mission forward together. His resolve never wavers, and he knows how to bring people together—even across industries and backgrounds.”
In the eyes of Robert Irwin, Prince William’s efforts are more than environmental leadership—they’re the foundation of a hopeful, lasting legacy his children can inherit and build upon.