For almost thirty years, Tusk has supported forward-thinking and successful conservation intervention in Africa. From the plains of the Serengeti to the rain forests of the Congo Basin, they are working towards a future in which people and wildlife can both thrive across the African continent. Prince William became became Royal Patron of Tusk in December 2005. William previously said he feels "very protective of wildlife, which is why I get emotional about it. You want to stand up for what is vulnerable and needs protecting. Elephants, rhinos, and many others animals that are persecuted don't have a voice".
Africa holds a very special place in both William and Harry's hearts, and now their wives' too. Shortly after Diana died, Charles took the princes to the continent on a trip which would spark a lasting affinity. They have both returned countless times since, both privately and officially. It was during a holiday with friends in Kenya in 2010 that William proposed to Kate.
Poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict are having a devastating impact on Africa’s wildlife. Tusk Trust believes local people and organisations are best positioned to address these threats, but are often under-resourced and lack the recognition they deserve. By partnering with leading and emerging conservationists across Africa, Tusk secures donor funding to invest in the best grassroots conservation initiatives – helping to increase their profile and maximise their impact. Through partnerships, significant progress in the incredibly difficult battle is happening, providing greater protection for over 10 million acres of land and more than 40 different threatened species, while benefitting more than 1,000,000 people.
In September, William visited Tusk projects in Namibia and Tanzania in his role as patron. The trip came ahead of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference which was held in London in October. The conference focused on three key themes: tackling the smuggling of animals, insects and plants as an organised crime, building coalitions, and closing markets. William delivered a keynote speech, saying he feared by the time George, Charlotte and Louis reach their twenties, elephants, rhinos and tigers will all cease to exist in the wild, adding: "I, for one, am not willing to look my children in the eye and say that we were the generation that let this happen."
The annual Tusk Conservation Awards celebrate the achievements of extraordinary people, whose work protecting Africa’s natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed outside their fields. Speaking about the importance of the event, William said: "These awards, which mean a great deal to me personally, play a huge part in our mission to preserve Africa’s precious wildlife for its people. It is vital that we recognise the dedication of these unsung heroes and the bravery of rangers risking their lives, day and night, on conservation’s frontline. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude."
A peek outside Banqueting House tonight.
It is Kate's second appearance at the event. The Duchess joined William for inaugural Tusk Awards back in 2013 wearing a shimmering Jenny Packham gown. It marked her second official appearance following Prince George's birth seven weeks earlier.
William and Kate were greeted upon arrival.
Before the ceremony commenced, William and Kate attended a reception to meet the award nominees, Tusk supporters and sponsors.
The Duchess with finalist Julius Obwana.
An arrival video with footage of William and Kate chatting with guests.
A great photo of the couple from the reception.
An arrival video with footage of William and Kate chatting with guests.
A great photo of the couple from the reception.
Host Kate Silverton with finalists.
The Duke and Duchess posed for photos with finalists.
Guests taking their seats.
To mark the awards, Sir David Attenborough shared the following message:
Prince William presented three awards. The Tusk Award for Conservation is given to an emerging leader in conservation in recognition of their contribution to date. The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award recognises the dedication and bravery of rangers working to protect Africa's increasingly threatened wildlife. The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa is a lifetime achievement award which commends outstanding dedication and contribution to conservation.
Julius Obwona was awarded the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his incredible work protecting the elephant population of Murchinson Falls, Uganda. Julius started his career in 1995 as a ranger, rising through the ranks to Warden in Charge of Law Enforcement. Much of his operational experience was gained when the Lord’s Resistance Army were operational in the area. Under his guidance a highly trained team of 600 rangers have been deployed throughout Murchinson. New capabilities and skills have been implemented, such as marine rangers with patrol boats, and ranger posts in strategic areas. "By 2017 Julius and his team had removed 24 tonnes of snares from the Murchinson Delta reducing the ‘three elephants a day’ formerly being seen in traps to around three a month. Dozens of AK47's, 100’s of rounds of ammunition and 700 poachers’ boats were decommissioned. His leadership has led to the prosecution of 720 suspects involved in wildlife-related crimes. But success has not been without sacrifice. Many rangers have been injured or killed. Julius has received countless death threats and hardest of all has been the separation from his family. This has not deterred him. Julius demonstrates consistent integrity and bravery."
The winner of the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa is Vincent Opyene. Vincent has single-handedly changed how Uganda addresses the illegal wildlife trade. He risks his life on a daily basis to combat wildlife trafficking and to bring criminals to justice. His persistent, silent, unique work behind the scenes to address wildlife crime on the street and in the courtroom is making a real and significant difference.
Dr Pete Morkel was awarded the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa – for a lifetime of selfless dedication to wildlife conservation throughout the continent. Dr Morkel delivered a very moving speech on the challenges ahead and the unsung heroes in conservation. You can view it in the video further down.
During a speech, William said: "The clock is ticking towards a tipping point when the impact of what we are doing will become dangerously irreversible. Whether we are living in an urban or rural environment, nature matters to us all. We have a responsibility and an obligation to the next generation to drastically reduce the extent to which we plunder the planet’s natural resources. I am convinced that we have it in our power to reverse this trend. As the late Paul Allen, a great conservation philanthropist, said: ‘As long as we work together – with urgency and determination – there is no limit to what we can achieve.'"
View the entire ceremony in the video below. It includes Prince William's speech at the end.
If you're interested in learning more about the work of Tusk Trust and ways to support their efforts, please click here.
Ahead of black-tie events, it's always fun to see your fashion predictions on the blog and social media. When contemplating repeats, one gown is invariably mentioned time and time again. Tonight the wish of many a royal fashion follower was granted when Kate brought back the beautiful teal Jenny Packham Aspen gown she debuted in 2012 for the 'Our Greatest Team Rises' Olympic gala. This is one of my all-time favourite Kate gowns (right up there with the black velvet McQueen Kate wore for the Sun Military Awards). It was splendid to see it again tonight.
The show-stopping style combines an emerald lace bodice embellished with Swarovski crystals and a pleated skirt, ribbon waisted with a crystal and flower decoration.
One of the primary reasons the gown remained so popular is owed to its intricately detailed embellished back. It encapsulates several of the design elements which made Packham a household name in bridal fashion.
Kate carried the matching bespoke Packham clutch once again.
As in 2012, Kate teamed the gown with her Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals (another reader favourite, chosen countless times during our 'Styling Kate' feature).
Kate accessorised with the Queen's diamond chandelier earrings.
And her Women of the First World War Poppy Brooch. The £29.99 piece is described: "Designed exclusively for the Centenary year, this stunning brooch adds a vintage feel to the classic two petal enamel poppy. Plated with a gold tone and hand finished with brilliant baguette crystals, this charming brooch is the perfect way to support the Royal British Legion." The brooch has proven very popular with the royal ladies, the Duchess of Cornwall was also spotted wearing it.
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In addition to tonight's black-tie event, a documentary marking Prince Charles' 70th birthday aired on BBC One. Indeed, the footage included a very special surprise: a photo of a smiling Kate holding a giggling Prince Louis as granddad Charles adoringly looks at Louis. This is the first photo we've seen of the little Prince since his christening, and I very much hope it's the first of several we'll see in the coming week for Charles' birthday. The photo was taken by Chris Jackson in the grounds of Clarence House in September. Upon first glance, I thought it was a photo of George when he was a baby; Louis certainly does resemble his big brother at the same age.
More from the Express:
'The BBC documentary shed a new light on Prince Charles, described as a playful grandfather by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who showered her husband with loving words. Speaking about what Charles usually does with his grandchildren, she said: “He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him. “He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think children really appreciate that.”
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, praised so much Prince Charles’s grandfatherly skills he went as far as scolding him for working too much rather than spending time with his children. When asked by Mr Bridcut if his father has enough time to be a grandfather, he said: “I think he does have time for it, but I would like him to have more time with the children. “I think he’s… now he’s reached his 70th year it’s a perfect time to consolidate a little bit cause as most families would do, you are worried about having them around and making sure their health’s okay, and he’s the fittest man I know but equally I want him to be fit until he’s 95 you know going on.'
The talented UFO No More team believe Kate wore the Alessandra Rich Pleated polka-dot silk crepe de chine midi dress. The £1,225 piece is described: "Alessandra Rich was inspired by Alfred Eisenstaedt's 1945 photograph of a sailor kissing a stranger in Times Square for her Spring '18 collection. Capturing the essence of that iconic moment, this vintage-inspired dress is cut from polka-dot silk crepe de chine that falls to a pleated midi skirt." As several of you noted, Abigail Spencer wore the dress to the royal wedding in May.
We have a busy week ahead with several events surrounding Remembrance Day, engagements in South Yorkshire, and Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebrations.
- 10 November - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join the Queen and members of the Royal family at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday for the annual Royal Festival of Remembrance. The event begins at 7pm.
- 11 November - On Remembrance Sunday, the Cambridges will attend the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph. That evening, William and Kate will join the Queen and other royals for a a service to mark the Centenary of the Armistice at Westminster Abbey at 6pm. The service will be televised on BBC One.
- 14 November - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit South Yorkshire. In Rotherham they will officially open McLaren Automotive’s new Composites Technology Centre before travelling to Barnsley’s local Centrepoint hostel. After lunch, the Duke and Duchess will visit Centrepoint’s new Andy Norman Learning Hub.
- 14 November - Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebrations will be held at Buckingham Palace.
We'll see you on Saturday night for the Festival of Remembrance. It's always a deeply touching event, and we can expect to see a very large turnout from members of the Royal family.
