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Prince William’s Earthshot Prize reaches its halfway point in 2025.
While the problem of climate change can feel insurmountable, the awards is a visionary attempt aimed at inspiring innovative solutions to the planets most pressing problems.
Five winners are each awarded a $2 million prize to fund the further development of their ideas.
Here is everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony…
Who is the founder of Earthshot Prize?
Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize, announcing the project in 2020.
As the decade-long project hit its halfway point this year, the Prince of Wales reflected on the three very important people who inspired him.
“Back then, a decade felt a long time. George was 7, Charlotte [was] 5 and Louis [was] 2 – the thought of them in 2030 felt a lifetime away,” William said in a video posted online.
“But today, as we stand halfway through this critical decade, 2030 feels very real. The Earthshot Prize was founded because this decade matters.”
The initiative was born out of a promise that the future king made to Prince George, now 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
“What is the maximum positive personal contribution I can make … [so I can] look my children in the eye and say that I did my bit?” he said at the time. Five years later, they remain front and centre in his thoughts.
William explained, “2030 is a threshold by which future generations will judge us. It is the point at which our actions, or lack of them, will have shaped forever the trajectory of our planet.”
Where will Earthshot Prize 2025 be held?
The Earthshot Prize will be held on November 5 in Rio de Janeiro at the Museum of Tomorrow.
Previous ceremonies have been held in London, Boston, Singapore and Cape Town.
While the 2026 location is yet to be confirmed, Australia could be top of the list.
It’s believed William and and Princess Catherine may make the journey Down Under next year, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed he had issued a formal invitation during his September visit to Britain.
“I hope that the Prince and Princess of Wales are able to visit … We are hopeful that might occur in the coming period,” the PM said after meeting with King Charles.
Having Earthshot here would provide the perfect excuse for a family trip. If so, it would be a repeat visit for George, who first experienced a royal tour here when he was
9 months old.
What celebrities will be at Earthshot in 2025?
While Kate, 43, isn’t expected to attend in 2025, staying behind in the UK with their little ones as the family moves into their new home at Forest Lodge, the big night won’t be short on glamour.
The star-studded line-up of musicians set to perform during the ceremony includes Kylie Minogue.
“Brazil – I’m coming back!” the 57-year-old singer said. “It’s a privilege and honour to be part of the Earthshot Prize in Rio– on stage with the people and the ideas that could save our planet.”
Brazilian musicians Gilberto Gil, Seu Jorge and Anitta are also performing as is Canadian pop singer Shawn Mendes.
Robert Irwin could also be in Brazil in his role as a global Earthshot ambassador.
Who judges the Earthshot prize?
A Prize Council has been set up to judge who will be awarded the massive cash reward.
Led by Prince William, the Earshot Prize Council is a global team of influencers from a range of sectors.
Gisele Bündchen is new addition to the Prize Council in 2025. The model, 45, has worked with the United Nations Environment Programme.
She also started the Clean Water Project in Southern Brazil, where she was born. “Protecting nature has always been close to my heart,” she said in a statement.
Queen rania is a founding member of the council. The Jordanian royal, 55, is well known for her advocacy work.
Her Majesty is on the boards of the United Nations Foundation and the World Economic Forum. She is also passionate about human rights and shines a spotlight on refugees from across the world.
With a career focused on the natural world that spans more than five decades, David David Attenborough was a natural fit for Earthshot.
The highly respected writer, broadcaster and environmentalist, 99 joined the team in 2020.
Suggestions that “may sound crackpot” are welcome, he told the BBC at the time.
Cate Blanchett, 56, is another founding prize council member.
The Australian actress attended the 2023 awards ceremony in Singapore.
She has also joined William at events highlighting finalists, including a visit in June to UK biotechnology company Colorifix that makes a sustainable clothing dye.
Who finances the Eartshot prize?
The Eartshot Prize is finances through donations from a wide range of partners including the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, which launched the inaugural awards.
Major philanthropic bodies that also provide funding include the Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Jack Ma Foundation.
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