The Prince of Wales mingles with rugby legends and young players in Cape Town, combining his passion for sport and environmental causes.

Prince William brought a mix of nostalgia and purpose to Cape Town as he kicked off his South African visit by reconnecting with rugby and engaging young leaders in climate action. Arriving on Monday, his visit revolves around promoting his Earthshot Prize—a prestigious environmental award—and offering support to youth from various townships, where rugby has become a beacon of hope for communities facing hardship.

The Prince’s journey led him to the vibrant Ocean View township, alongside Masiphumelele and Langa, areas known for their resilience but also the everyday struggles many of their residents face. There, rugby has become more than just a sport; it’s a tool for mentorship and unity among local children. With guidance from South African rugby greats, including the renowned former Springboks Joel Stransky, Percy Montgomery, and Tendai Mtawarira (familiarly called “The Beast”), William experienced a true taste of the township spirit on the pitch.

For Mtawarira, the encounter sparked memories of 2013, when he met William after a tense match in Cardiff. Laughing, he recalled, “Last time we met, I was barely dressed, still in my towel post-game. Today, it was good to shake hands in a more formal setting.” The camaraderie was evident as Mtawarira shared the field with William, encouraging the royal guest in playful drills and games with local children.

Despite his self-described “rusty” skills, Prince William’s enthusiasm shone through. The young players, some dreaming of a future with the Springboks, eagerly tackled him, treating him as one of their own. Tom Solimi, a spirited student from Ocean View Secondary School, spoke about the experience with a beaming smile. “It was just rugby. We wanted him to feel welcome and have some fun,” he said. “It was a great moment for us all.”

The day’s events were hosted by the Atlas Charity, founded by Jason Leonard, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner for England, who stood proudly by the Prince’s side. Leonard explained the charity’s mission: to provide young people a safe space, away from their challenging home environments. “For these kids, rugby is more than a game—it’s a sanctuary where they can just be themselves for a few hours,” he said. His thoughtful words highlighted the profound role that sport plays in nurturing resilience among the youth.

After the game, Leonard couldn’t resist critiquing William’s performance with a laugh, remarking, “He’s not too bad. He mentioned it’s been a while since he played, so we’ll cut him some slack.” Yet, it was clear from the Prince’s wide grin that he relished every moment, irrespective of how “rusty” his game might have been.

Beyond rugby, Prince William’s visit serves a broader mission: advocating for environmental change. This week, Cape Town will play host to the Earthshot Prize ceremony, an initiative spearheaded by the Prince to champion innovative, eco-friendly solutions across the globe. Five visionary projects will each receive £1 million, supporting sustainable advancements that have the potential to reshape the future.

In a prelude to the ceremony, William met 120 young leaders from across Africa and South East Asia, participants in the Earthshot Climate Leaders Youth Programme. Engaging them with words of encouragement, he said, “What you’re going to do is change the world. This is the generation that is going to do that. You are creating solutions and a better life for all of us.”

During his Cape Town visit, William will demonstrate his commitment to sustainability not just through words but by wearing environmentally friendly clothing. This decision reflects the core values of the Earthshot Prize, underscoring the importance of small, everyday choices in combating climate change.

The Earthshot Prize ceremony on Wednesday night is eagerly awaited, not only for the announcement of the winners but for its symbolism—a reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet and the pivotal role young people play in this journey. For Cape Town and the communities William has engaged with, his visit brings a dual sense of purpose: uplifting local spirits through sport while spotlighting global environmental efforts.