Prince Williamis putting all his energy into hisvisit to Singapore.
On Tuesday evening, the Prince of Wales, 41, will unveil the new set of winners of his annualEarthshot Prize. On Monday, however, he had a less formal event — picking up the oar of a dragon boat to take part in a race on the Kallang River against a backdrop of some of Singapore’s most famous landmarks.
His efforts were worth it too — the British Dragons Dragon Boat Racing Team came out on top in the race, which showcases a sport that dates back more than 2,000 years and involves a crew of 22 team members made up of 20 paddlers who face the bow of the boat, a drummer at the bow and a steer standing at the rear.
MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images
After his race across the water, the prince had breakfast with the British team and met four high commissioners based in Singapore from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Papua New Guinea. All of these realms count his father,King Charles, as their head of state.
Prince William chats to teammates on the Dragon Boat on Monday.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince William’s office at Kensington Palace said that he used the audiences to “celebrate the importance of shared U.K.-Singapore ties” and that they were an opportunity for him to thank Singapore for hosting the Earthshot Prize. The royal also outlined his long-term vision for Earthshot and used the meetings to “discuss where these intersect with Singapore’s own approach to the sustainability agenda,” the palace said.
Prince William joins the Dragon Boat practice in Singapore on Monday.MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images
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Prince Williamarrived in Singapore on Sunday eveningand said he was thrilled to be back in the country that he last visited with his wife,Kate Middleton, in 2012.
“It’s fantastic to be back in Singapore for this year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony, after 11 years,” he said in a statement.
“Singapore’s bold vision to be a leader for environmental innovation sets the standard for others to follow,” he continued. “I am grateful to the Singaporean people for hosting us this week. Let us all take inspiration from the fantastic work being done here as we celebrate this year’s Earthshot Prize finalists.”
Prince William after the Dragon Boat race in Singapore today.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Later on Monday, he attended theUnited for Wildlife Global Summit, a convening of international leaders from conservation, government, law enforcement and the private sector to discuss solutions for combatting the illegal wildlife trade.
source: people.com
