Prince William is emerging as a global statesman, palace officials say

Anthony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, said the prince’s visit provided “the highest level of engagement” between the two countries since the South African general election in May this year.

“We see this as a continuation of the State Visit in November 2022, which we continue to see here as a very historic moment for the UK and South Africa, the first State Visit hosted by His Majesty the King, the fourth State Visit by a South African President hosted by either the previous Queen, or a king,” he added.

“The President himself feels that he has a connection with the King, and it is clear that William is the future King.”

Lammy’s visit to Cape Town provides an opportunity to do some “heavy political work”, Phillipson said. It also demonstrates his commitment to strengthening ties with South Africa ahead of the G20 summit the country hosts next year.

“It shows that he is here because he wants to be here,” he added.

The meeting came after Mr Ramaphosa decided to skip the Commonwealth heads of government meeting hosted by the king in Samoa last month in favor of the annual meeting of the Kremlin-led BRICS bloc led by Vladimir Putin in Kazan, central Russia.

The prince will begin his four-day visit to Cape Town on Monday, joining more than 100 young environmentalists from across Africa and south-east Asia who are taking part in the Earthshot youth programme.

The prince will launch a series of programs aimed at children aged five and up on Monday as it was revealed 2,000 young people took part in the Earthshot Blue Peter competition.

Children aged five to 15 were asked to submit an idea to achieve one of five “Earthshots”, ambitious environmental goals. established by the Earthshot Prize.

How Prince strives to create a legacy This goes well beyond his visit, he will also next week announce a welfare package for wildlife rangers that aims to support more than 10,000 people over five years.

The initiative follows the death of 42-year-old Anton Mzimba, the “incorruptible” park ranger who was shot by hitmen at his home in 2022, just months after Prince William was briefed on how organized crime had become heavily involved in rhino poaching in South Africa.

The prince was so upset that he made a significant private donation to support the Mzimba family.