The Prince of Wales has shared a heartfelt message ahead of his visit to India this week.
The future King, 44, is heading overseas for The Earthshot Prize next week, where he will attend a two-day summit, culminating in the starry environmental Awards night on 17 November.
In the update, the Prince highlighted significant new commitments made by Indonesia at COP31 to protect its forests.
This included halting agricultural expansion into forest areas, significantly increasing its forest ranger and firefighter workforce, and reaffirming its $1 billion commitment to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a 2025 Earthshot Prize Finalist.
Taking to his Instagram account, William penned: “The world’s forests are one of our greatest natural treasures, and protecting them is vital for our collective future.
“I am hugely encouraged by Indonesia’s ambitious commitments at COP31 to protect its forests from agricultural expansion, increase its forest ranger workforce from 8,000 to 70,000, and reaffirm $1 billion to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility.
“These are important steps towards a future where nature and communities can thrive together. Congratulations to Indonesia, and to everyone working to turn this ambition into reality. W.”
Is the Princess of Wales joining Prince William in Mumbai?
It hasn’t been officially confirmed whether or not William will be joined by his wife, the Princess of Wales, overseas next week.
But there was one hint last month that had royal fans speculating that Kate would be attending the overseas affair.
© WireImageIn October, the 2026 Prize announced four presenters: Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek, actresses Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor, and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
However, there are usually five award presenters, which has led to speculation that the future Queen will be filling the final slot
© GettyThe Princess of Wales was previously among the award presenters in 2022 in Boston, joining an A-list line-up including Rami, comedian Catherine O’Hara and actress Shailene Woodley.
As for 2026, the website states there are more stars “to be announced”, leaving fans to wonder if William’s wife will be the fifth presenter.
“Will Catherine be the fifth person to present an award at the Earthshot Prize Ceremony in Mumbai?” one fan queried, with a second person expressing: “I hope so!”
HELLO! catches up with Earthshot Prize host Karan Johar
Earlier this month, HELLO! had the opportunity to catch up with Earthshot Prize host and acclaimed Bollywood director, Karan Johar.
© GettyDuring the conversation, Karan opened up about meeting Prince William. “It was an absolute honour and privilege to meet him,” Karan shared. “He was warm, affable and exceptionally approachable, which made the conversation feel very comfortable. What struck me most was his passion for Earthshot.
“You could feel how deeply he cares about the climate and how personally invested he is in making a difference. His knowledge of the initiative and the sincerity with which he spoke about it really stayed with me.”