In a light-hearted moment at Alexandra Palace, Prince William and actress Hannah Waddingham share laughs over darts, promoting his Earthshot prize

Prince William and actress Hannah Waddingham turned a royal event into an amusing spectacle at North London’s Alexandra Palace, where the Prince of Wales attempted his hand at darts. The light-hearted competition, aimed at promoting his Earthshot environmental initiative, was filled with laughter and camaraderie, despite both parties failing to hit the bullseye.

Filmed for a special BBC documentary, the duo joined forces for a segment that highlights William’s ambitious Earthshot Prize, a programme that rewards innovators working to repair the planet. The event, set in the same venue where the Earthshot Prize was first presented in 2021, was also the site for this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

Despite their best efforts, William and Waddingham found themselves struggling to make a dent on the dartboard. At one point, the Prince, clearly aware of his less-than-perfect aim, joked, “I think we are probably no threat to anybody on this board,” as he scanned the names of world darts champions displayed nearby.

Hannah, ever the sport, laughed at the situation, admitting, “I’m feeling equal joy and terror about playing darts with the future King of England.” The banter was light-hearted and filled with the kind of genuine laughter that highlighted William’s down-to-earth nature, which contrasted with his usual royal duties.

For the Prince, these informal moments offer a rare glimpse into his personal side, far removed from the heavy responsibilities he typically shoulders as the future king. The relaxed atmosphere of the event allowed him to share a pint of cider with Waddingham, both of them clearly enjoying the break from their usual routines.

The occasion, of course, was about more than just fun and games. The Earthshot Prize, which William founded, has a crucial role in addressing environmental issues worldwide. The documentary, hosted by Waddingham, sheds light on the remarkable efforts of the prize’s winners, who each receive £1 million to further their innovations aimed at healing the planet. The upcoming Earthshot Report, airing on BBC1 at 5 pm today, will also feature conversations with previous finalists and offer further insight into the prize’s impact.

In this rare off-duty moment, Prince William not only showcased his lighter side but also brought attention to his environmental mission. The relaxed nature of the day, paired with his easy-going interaction with Waddingham, gave audiences a refreshing look at the man behind the crown.

As the two continued their friendly dart match, the atmosphere remained full of joy and laughter, leaving fans with a memorable image of William engaging with a side of life few see behind the palace walls.