This week, much attention has been focused on the Prince of Wales as he enters a new phase in his royal life—one that is both purpose-driven and statesmanlike. As he carves out a new role for himself within the royal family, Prince William has become an outspoken advocate for sustainability. From his involvement in the Earthshot Prize to his work addressing homelessness, the Prince has emphasized the urgency for collaboration in tackling global challenges.
However, his presence at the recent Earthshot Prize Awards generated mixed reactions, especially regarding his choice of attire. In keeping with the event’s eco-friendly ethos, guests were encouraged to embrace sustainable fashion, and the 42-year-old Prince did just that. William wore a vintage gray blazer, a nod to the sustainable theme of the evening, pairing it with a light blue shirt from Eco Off. The most talked-about part of his outfit, though, was his choice of footwear: white sneakers from Purified Footwear, a brand known for producing plastic-free, biodegradable shoes.
While the Prince’s attire was clearly in line with the sustainability message of the Earthshot Awards, some attendees and fans felt it was too casual for such a prestigious event. In previous years, Prince William had worn formal suits to the ceremony, which made his choice this year seem out of place for many. One social media user wrote, "I like William’s outfit; I think it’s cool and different, but it’s not quite right for the event. A velvet suit would have been better—Catherine, we need you here to do something about this!"
Despite the mixed reactions, others supported the Prince’s eco-conscious fashion choice, even if it didn’t seem perfectly suited for the occasion. One comment read, "Good for him for wearing eco-friendly clothes, but more of this for day-to-day engagements would be perfect. For this event, though, it doesn’t make sense. It’s not a huge problem, though."
Last year, Prince William walked the red carpet at the awards in Singapore wearing a formal ensemble, including a dark green Alexander McQueen velvet blazer, black slacks, and a white shirt. The Princess of Wales, similarly, chose a glamorous look for the occasion—a green, off-the-shoulder gown she rented from British brand Solace London. The Prince re-wore his blue velvet blazer for the 2022 Earthshot Prize event in Boston, where he was joined by an impressive lineup of presenters and performers.
On a personal note, Prince William has been open about the challenges his family has faced over the past year, including his wife Catherine's cancer diagnosis. He described it as "brutal" but expressed immense pride in how both Catherine and his father, King Charles, have handled their respective situations. Despite the emotional toll, Prince William has remained committed to his royal duties, especially for the sake of his three young children.
Earlier this week, the Prince also shared that Catherine had completed her chemotherapy treatment and was focusing on taking life one day at a time. Reflecting on his wife’s strength, William said, "She’s been amazing this whole year." During a recent trip, the Prince wore a bracelet made by his daughter Charlotte, 9, which read “Papa,” a small but meaningful gesture of love and connection.
When asked if his family had watched the live broadcast of the Earthshot Prize ceremony, William replied, "I don’t know yet; I haven’t checked in with them, but I hope they did."
As Prince William continues to balance his royal duties with his personal life, he remains committed to making a positive impact on the world—though, like all of us, he must navigate the complexities of family, duty, and public scrutiny.
