10.06.2025

Prince William calls for the world to 'act with urgency' to save the oceans in landmark speech

Prince William delivers a powerful speech in Monaco, urging global action to protect our oceans. A modern reflection on chivalry, climate responsibility, and the gentleman’s duty to preserve nature for future generations.

Words: Raja Izz

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, delivers a speech during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) ahead of the Unoc3, at The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on June 8, 2025.

(Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP)

 

In the glittering halls of the Grimaldi Forum, where nobility and intellect converge, the Prince of Wales stood not as a figurehead of royal lineage but as a knight of conscience — delivering what Kensington Palace deemed a “landmark intervention” in defence of the oceans.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, walks on stage to give a speech during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at Grimaldi Forum on June 8, 2025 in Monaco, Monaco.

(Photo by Manon Cruz – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

 

With the eloquence of a modern gentleman and the urgency of a man who knows time is no longer on our side, Prince William declared:

 

“Healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate our climate, and provide food for more than three billion people.”

 

The forum, held in Monaco just days before the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, united environmentalists, heads of state, and visionary investors under one clear mandate: to safeguard what lies beneath the surface — a kingdom as fragile as it is vital.

Prince William and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

MANON CRUZ/POOL/AFP via Getty

 

Speaking in both English and French, the Prince reminded us that the battle for nature’s integrity is not merely scientific nor economic — it is moral. It is a gentleman’s responsibility, a test of our honor and stewardship.

He spoke of heartbreaking transformations: majestic sea forests turned into barren deserts, entire ecosystems fading before our eyes. Citing Sir David Attenborough’s haunting new documentary Oceans as “the most compelling argument for immediate action I have ever seen,” Prince William sounded the horn of awakening: this is no longer a matter of out of sight, out of mind.

Attending as the founder of the Earthshot Prize — a chivalrous endeavor in itself — the Prince urged the world not to view ocean protection as a distant enterprise, but as an essential duty. His rallying cry echoed a line from Attenborough himself: “If we save the sea, we save our world.”

France's President Emmanuel Macron, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and Britain's Prince William

Getty Images


As the world’s most refined men discuss the codes of style and civility, let us not forget that true elegance lies not just in our core values and our manner, but in what we choose to protect. In an age clouded by pursuit of profit and power, Prince William has reminded us of the highest gentlemanly pursuit: to be guardians of creation, defenders of beauty, and protectors of that which cannot defend itself.

For what is chivalry, if not a promise to leave the world more whole than we found it?

About the Author

Raja Izz

Raja Izz (MBA) is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Code (GC), a publication that champions elegance and refined living.

Since its inception in 2018, under Raja Izz’s leadership, GC has reached remarkable milestones, including being recognized as one of the Top 20 Digital Men’s Magazines by Feedspot in 2025 and ranking #1 for “Elegant Man” by Google in the same year.

The magazine has also played a pivotal role in celebrating and defining the modern gentleman, with notable recognitions such as the GC Man of the Year and GC Elegant Man awards.

With his signature blend of gravitas and grace, Raja Izz does not seek the spotlight. Instead, he builds the platform—for others to rise, for values to return, and for men to remember who they once aspired to be.

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