William shares family revelation while warning of urgent environmental threats at Tusk Awards

Prince William has revealed that his children have recently discovered the classic comedy series Fawlty Towers and that it has quickly become a source of laughter in the household. The Prince of Wales made the admission while speaking with John Cleese at the Tusk Conservation Awards, an event that celebrates conservation leaders working across Africa. His remarks offered a rare glimpse into family life as he attended the ceremony in his role as royal patron of the Tusk Trust.

William spoke with Cleese, who starred as Basil Fawlty in the original series, and told him that his children love the programme and that the family has enjoyed watching it together. He said they had been sharing many moments of laughter while revisiting episodes that he remembered watching himself. The exchange took place before the awards ceremony began and was part of a wider conversation between the Prince, Cleese, and Ronnie Wood, who also serves as an ambassador for the charity.

The Prince later addressed the audience and turned his attention to the environmental challenges facing the planet. He spoke about his recent visit to Brazil, where he hosted the latest Earthshot Prize ceremony and represented the United Kingdom at the COP30 climate conference. He said the trip reinforced his sense of urgency and reminded him that meaningful progress occurs when people come together behind a shared purpose. He also emphasised that solutions to the climate crisis must accelerate if they are to protect communities and ecosystems.

William told the audience that Africa holds the second-largest rainforest in the world and that the Congo Basin is under increasing pressure from human activity. He said the conservationists honoured at the awards had shown personal dedication in confronting threats to wildlife and natural habitats. He praised them for working in conditions that can feel overwhelming and said their stories highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity.

The Prince also reflected on the achievements of the Tusk Trust over several decades. He noted that the charity has supported hundreds of conservation projects across more than twenty countries. He said these efforts have contributed to the protection of a wide range of species and landscapes and that they demonstrate the value of community-led conservation. He added that healthy ecosystems support human life by providing clean air, clean water, and food and that the work of the award winners should inspire further action.

The ceremony brought together supporters, conservationists, and several members of the extended royal family. Zara Tindall attended with her husband, Mike Tindall. Lady Eliza and Amelia Spencer were also present among the guests. The Prince has been a patron of the Tusk Trust since 2005 and launched the awards in 2013 to recognise individuals who dedicate their lives to safeguarding wildlife.

William concluded his speech by acknowledging the serious environmental pressures facing the planet. He called for continued commitment to conservation and said the work of the award winners shows the impact that determined individuals can have. He also said he is proud of the contribution made by the Tusk Trust and encouraged others to support the charity’s mission to protect Africa’s natural heritage.