Prince William joined A-list stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Watson at a business forum for The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife on Monday. The event was part of London Climate Action Week where William discussed his global environmental initiative, which awards five £1 million prizes to help scale innovative solutions to repair the planet.
The Prince of Wales said his conservation work helps “keep my environmental anxiety at bay” and “helps me sleep at night” because it leaves him feeling that “we can do this” and reverse the horrors of climate change. The Earthshot Prize, which the future King founded in 2020, is dedicated to reversing the negative impact climate change has on the environment.
He has managed to attract a host of stars to his cause, from Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey and Cate Blanchett to broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough and former prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.
There is no denying the former Suits actress also champions causes that are important to her. Her advocacy work on resilience and equality has been recognised – alongside that of her husband, Prince Harry – with the NAACP President’s Award as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. Meghan also remains a dedicated champion of mental health and the rights of women and girls.
But the one thing the royals have done completely different from the Sussexes is align their charity work with celebrities who are passionate about the same causes, offering a solid outcome – to save the planet within the next decade through ideas and future technology.
Meghan, on the other hand, has continued to rub shoulders with A-list stars and Netflix bosses in the hopes of building a successful career outside of the Royal Family.
I totally respect her hustle. But it may have made more sense if she had taken a leaf out of William’s book and championed the causes that mean most to her, using her celebrity connections to push her ideas forward.
Hollywood stars are known for leveraging their fame, wealth, and platforms to support various philanthropic causes through global campaigns, personal foundations, and grassroots initiatives.
High-profile names often champion specific movements and work closely with well-known charities to raise funds. For example, Sir Elton John‘s Aids Foundation has raised millions over the decades to end the HIV epidemic to Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham being prominent advocates for UNICEF.
The Archewell Foundation has teamed up with famous stars over the years, most notably through Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, where she discussed female empowerment with stars including Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey and Serena Williams.
Unfortunately, Spotify pulled the plug on her passion project after just one season in 2023.
But all is not lost. Meghan has the ability to use her Duchess status to do what William has been doing all along.