Prince William shares a teaser from this year’s virtual Tusk Conservation Awards as he pays tribute to Africa’s leading wildlife protectors whose hard work ‘often goes under the radar’
- Duke of Cambridge, 38, met nominees for the Tusk Award in a teaser clip
- This year’s awards will be held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic
- Last year Kate was forced to miss the glittering event due to childcare issues
The Duke of Cambridge pays tribute to Africa’s leading wildlife protectors in a teaser clip from this year’s virtual Tusk Conservation Awards, which will be broadcast tomorrow.
The annual ceremony celebrates the achievements of extraordinary people, whose work protecting Africa’s natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed outside their fields.
Last year Kate Middleton was forced to miss the glittering event, held at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square followed by a reception at the National Portrait Gallery, because one of their children was ill and they couldn’t organise childcare.
As part of this year’s virtual ceremony, the Duke of Cambridge, 38, spoke via video call from Kensington Palace to nominees of the Tusk Award, a prize awarded to an individual who is judged to be an emerging leader in conservation.
The Duke of Cambridge pays tribute to Africa’s leading wildlife protectors in a teaser clip from this year’s virtual Tusk Conservation Awards, which will be broadcast tomorrow
Last year Kate Middleton was forced to miss the glittering event , held at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square followed by a reception at the National Portrait Gallery, because one of their children was ill and they couldn’t organise childcare. Pictured at the 2018 awards
During the call, he met finalists George Owoyesigire from Uganda, Ian Stevenson of Zambia, and John Kamanga from Kenya, and congratulated them on their dedication and exceptional contribution to African wildlife protection.
The prince held up the trophy, a stunning piece by Zimbabwean silversmith Patrick Mavros – Kate’s favourite African jewellery brand, but the clip did not reveal the winner.
The Duke also spoke with the winners of the Wildlife Ranger and Prince William Awards, who will be announced at the awards ceremony, and CEO of Tusk, Charlie Mayhew.
The nominees and winners discussed their crucial work on the frontline of the battle to save some of the world’s most iconic species, and the vital role that communities have to play in the success of conservation efforts.
They also discussed the impact of the global pandemic on conservation work across Africa, which has yielded drastic industry-wide cuts in salaries and resources.
As part of this year’s virtual ceremony, the Duke of Cambridge, 38, spoke via video call to nominees of the Tusk Award, a prize awarded to an individual who is judged to be an emerging leader in conservation. Pictured holding the trophy, a stunning handcrafted piece by Zimbabwean silversmith Patrick Mavros – Kate Middleton’s favourite African jewellery brand
William met finalists George Owoyesigire from Uganda, Ian Stevenson of Zambia, and John Kamanga from Kenya, and congratulated them on their dedication and exceptional contribution to African wildlife protection
During a video call with Charlie Mayhew, CEO of Tusk, The Duke of Cambridge said of this year’s nominees and winners: ‘A lot of these people go under the radar.
‘I hope that the Tusk Awards highlight and showcase their wonderful talent and hard work across the globe.
‘I hope their stories go far and wide, that people feel inspired and young people look to these role models and say, “I can do the same, I want to be involved and I care as much as they do too”.’
The Tusk Conservation Awards will be held virtually at 6pm on Thursday 3 December and streamed to an audience of thousands around the world.
Launched with Prince William in 2013, the awards celebrate the work of leading conservationists in Africa.
The Tusk Conservation Awards are available to view in full at www.tuskawards.com.
The Tusk Conservation Awards will be held virtually at 6pm on Thursday 3 December and streamed to an audience of thousands around the world. Pictured: William at the awards last year