Prince William was joined by several members of his family at the Tusk Conservation Awards, where Zara Tindall and Diana’s nieces, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer, came out to show their support.
The 44-year-old Prince of Wales arrived at The Raffles Hotel in central London on Wednesday evening wearing a smart black tuxedo. The glittering ceremony honoured some of Africa’s leading conservationists for their work protecting endangered wildlife and threatened habitats.
Although the Princess of Wales was not pictured at the event, William had no shortage of royal backing. Zara, 45, joined Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza, also 34, at the star-studded gathering.
The glamorous Spencer twins, daughters of Diana’s younger brother Earl Spencer, made a striking entrance in contrasting metallic gowns. One chose a shimmering gold design, while the other opted for a dazzling silver look.
The sisters, who have become familiar faces on London’s social circuit, posed for photographs alongside guests celebrating the conservationists working to protect Africa’s wildlife and natural landscapes.
Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne and one of William’s cousins, also attended the prestigious ceremony, contributing to the strong family presence on the night.
Among the other notable guests were the Marchioness of Bath, comedian John Bishop and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden. Television presenter and wildlife expert Liz Bonnin hosted the awards.
The Prince of Wales, 44, arrived at The Raffles Hotel in central London on Wednesday evening in a smart black tuxedo for the glittering ceremony
The glamorous Spencer twins, daughters of Diana’s younger brother Earl Spencer, turned heads in contrasting metallic gowns, with one wearing shimmering gold and the other dazzling silver
Zara Tindall attended the annual event to support her cousin, Prince William
William, who has spent years championing environmental protection, appeared relaxed as he spoke with guests and conservationists at the 14th annual awards.
Among those he met was John Kamanga, executive director of Kenya’s South Rift Association of Landowners. The organisation works with local communities to protect wildlife and the landscapes that sustain them.
The Prince has served as Tusk’s Royal Patron since 2005, making the charity’s mission to protect Africa’s wildlife and support conservation communities a defining part of his public work.
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William helped establish the awards in 2013. They honour people who have devoted their lives to preserving Africa’s natural heritage, often in dangerous and exceptionally difficult conditions.
Since the awards began, 61 winners have received more than £2 million in grants for their conservation projects. Those initiatives have helped protect more than 60 species across 23 African countries.
At this year’s ceremony, £225,000 in grants will be distributed across three categories. They include the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding long-term contribution to wildlife protection.
The other honours are the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, celebrating an emerging conservation leader, and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, which recognises the bravery and dedication of those protecting endangered animals on the front line.
The event was especially meaningful for two previous winners, John Kamanga of Kenya and Amos Gwema of Zimbabwe. Both were able to attend the celebrations in person after receiving their awards virtually during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The Prince of Wales, Royal Patron of Tusk, delivers a speech at the 14th annual Tusk Conservation Awards
Previous winner John Kamanga of Kenya, executive director of the South Rift Association of Landowners, with his award
Prince William speaks with Amos Gwema, principal intelligence officer of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
Tusk founder Charlie Mayhew OBE and Prince William attend the 2026 Tusk Conservation Awards at Raffles
The pair were invited to London for this year’s ceremony, six years after their original victories. William was photographed speaking with Mr Kamanga during the evening.
The Prince’s commitment to conservation spans more than two decades. During that time, he has supported efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species.
In addition to his work with Tusk, William founded United for Wildlife in 2013 to help tackle wildlife trafficking. He later launched the Earthshot Prize, an ambitious initiative that rewards innovative solutions to some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.