Today, Prince William announced that he will soon team up with Shakira, Cate Blanchett, and Sir David Attenborough. However, that does not mean the Duke will make his film or stage debut. Rather, he's joining these stars in an awards shows for one of his greatest concerns: the environmental crisis that the world is currently experiencing.

Through a message on the Kensington Palace Instagram page, the prince announced the formation of the council that will present the first-ever edition of The Earthshot Prize.

Prince William teams up with Shakira and Cate Blanchett

In a surprise announcement, Prince William revealed the council that will present the newly-formed Earthshot Prize. It's an honour presented by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recognizing five environmental projects that aim to improve quality of life on Earth over the next decade.

The "global council" unites a range of environmental activists, sports and entertainment stars, and business leaders. Among the Duke and Duchess's collaborators are Colombian singer Shakira, Australian actress Cate Blanchett, British documentary filmmaker Sir David Attenborough, and the Brazilian footballer Dani Alves.

Also featured are Indian businessman Indra Nooyi, Costa Rican anthropologist Christina Figueres, Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, environmental activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan, Chinese basketball player Yao Ming, Asian magnate Jack Ma, and economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Prince William and David Attenborough, together again

The reveal comes after Attenborough visited Kensington Palace in September, when he and Prince William teased the forthcoming collaboration on The Earthshot Prize. Since then, the Duke also aired his own conservation documentary, Prince William: A Planet for Us All.

The first instalment of The Earthshot Prize will take place in 2021.

Melissa Gilbert

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