by Billie Eilish will lead the programming for the Prince of Wales Earthshot Award ceremony.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will fly to the United States this week on a three-day trip that will culminate on Friday with the presentation of the awards he founded to discover and develop environmental solutions to fix the planet.
Eilish, who is outspoken about climate change, will headline the entertainment at the ceremony in the city of Boston, which will also feature Annie Lennox, Ellie Goulding and Beyonce proteges Chloe x Halle.
A royal source said: “The award has become the Prince’s Superbowl Moment of the Year, and he looks forward to continuing to use the platform each year to shine a light on some of the most impactful projects doing amazing things at around the world to save our planet’s future.”
Among the 15 finalists vying for the £1million awarded to each of the five category winners of the Earthshot Prize are a cleaner-burning stove initiative in Kenya and a Dutch-made bubble barrier to stop plastics from entering the oceans.
There is also first-time UK finalistswith two British candidates selected.
Notpla Hard Material, a start-up run by Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez in London, makes packaging from algae and plants as an alternative to single-use plastic.
It has already produced more than one million biodegradable take-out food boxes for Just Eat.
Low Carbon Materials, based in County Durham, uses non-recyclable plastic waste to make traditional carbon-free concrete blocks.
The royal source said: “Inclusiveness is a key part of Earthshot’s mission. This year’s nominees come from all corners of the planet, truly showcasing the best in human ingenuity. Indigenous leadership in Australia to women-led solutions in Kenya, diverse stories and solutions are at the heart of the award.
“Inclusiveness will also be a key part of the larger journey – while we are in Boston, the Prince and Princess will meet with Boston-based Indigenous leaders.”
William spoke about the Earthshot Prize project with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week. Photo: AP
Broadcaster Sir David Attenborough will narrate the show’s opening while Oscar-winning actress and Earthshot jury member Cate Blanchett will reflect on last year’s winners.
Actor Rami Malek, who played singer Freddie Mercury in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will present an award at MGM Music Hall, as will Home Alone actress Catherine O’Hara and environmental activist Shailene Woodley.
Malek said: “The 15 finalists for this year’s Earthshot Prize are deeply inspiring. They dedicate their lives to building solutions that will fix our planet, and I can’t wait to present an award to one of 2022’s amazing winners.”
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Lennox said: “The urgent need to protect and restore our Earth’s damaged environmental systems is essential for future survival. The goal of the Earthshot Prize is powerful in terms of building a waste-free world and reviving our oceans. I am therefore honored to lend my voice to support this ambitious mission.”
