PRINCE William today gave a sweet nod to the Queen as he told how his family has received “great comfort” during their time of grief.
The Prince of Wales, 40, was due to co-host The Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York City today.
Prince William today spoke of his sadness as he addressed the Earthshot summit via video in New York
But he instead described the “saddest of circumstances” following his grandmother’s death, as he and his family continue to mourn for Her Majesty.
William was due to travel to the US alone today, where he would have been joined by previous winners of his £50million global environmental competition.
And in a video, recorded on Tuesday at the Windsor Estate, the prince said he believed Her Majesty would have “been delighted to hear about” the summit.
In a virtual message to those gathered in New York, William said: “Though it is the saddest of circumstances that means I cannot join you in person today, I am pleased to be able to join you in video form as you gather in New York for the Earthshot Prize innovation summit.
“During this time of grief, I take great comfort in your continued enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to the Earthshot Prize and what we are trying to achieve.”
He added: “Protecting the environment was a cause close to my grandmother’s heart.
“And I know she would have been delighted to hear about this event and the support you’re all giving our Earthshot finalists, the next generation of environmental pioneers.”
The royal family is continuing its period of mourning for the Queen, to be observed until seven days after the funeral.
Members of the royal family are not expected to carry out official engagements, and flags at royal residences will remain at half-mast until 8am on Tuesday – after the final day of royal mourning.
The Earthshot Prize was founded by William and his Royal Foundation in 2020, and in July this year the project became an independent charity, with the prince as its president.
The second Earthshot Prize awards ceremony is set to be held in Boston in December, after the inaugural event at London’s Alexandra Palace last year.
The Prince of Wales said his grandmother would have ‘been delighted’ to hear about the event
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pictured at the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London last year
Wills was due to gether his 2021 Earthshot Prize winners in New York today
