Prince William speaks French and English during address at Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco

Prince William has spoken about the need to take ‘bold action’ to save the world’s oceans during an address at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco.

William, 42, reportedly spoke in both French and English while delivering his address at the prestigious event, which was also attended by Monaco royal Prince Albert.

Also at the forum, were finalists from the Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize.

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The royal warned that the ocean floor is “diminishing before our eyes” and is calling for ambitious action “on a global, national, and local level”.

“Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to barren deserts at the base of our oceans is heartbreaking,” he said in the speech which has been shared by BBC.

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“For many, it is an urgent wake-up call to just what is going on in our oceans. But it can no longer be a matter of ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” he added.

Prince William later shared a video of his speech and photos from his attendance at the forum on Instagram.

“Honoured to attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco. A vital moment to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and regenerative marine economy,” he said.

“Inspiring to catch up with Earthshot Finalists working to ‘Revive our Oceans’. From restoring coral reefs to transforming seaweed farming and plastic pollution prevention,” he continued.

“The ocean sustains life, regulates our climate, and feeds billions, but it’s under threat. Solutions exist, and action is urgent,” William said.

He ended the post by saying he was grateful to “stand alongside world leaders and changemakers, united in commitment to protect 30% of our ocean by 2030 and drive progress ahead of the UN Ocean Conference”.

Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020, a global environmental award that is handed out to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism.

The royal was joined by biologist and natural historian Sir David Attenborough for the launch.

The winners are selected by the Earthshot Prize Council, which includes William and Attenborough.

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William met with Sir Attenborough ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8.

Sharing the meeting on social media, William said it was a “true honour speaking with Sir David ahead of World Oceans Day tomorrow”.

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“Fascinating to reflect on the wonder of the ocean and the legacy of a man who has dedicated his life to telling its story,” he continued.

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A conversation shared about a lifetime of exploration, the urgent challenges facing our seas, and the hope that lies in restoring and protecting them for generations to come,” William added before promoting Sir Attenborough’s latest documentary Ocean with David Attenborough.

The next Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2025.

This will be the first time the event will be held in South America, with the ceremony scheduled to take place before the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

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