Britain’s Prince William made an impassioned plea to save endangered species from poachers last night (12.02.14).
The 31-year-old royal, who is campaigning with his father, Prince Charles, addressed more than 400 delegates at a reception at London’s Natural History Museum and spoke about his strategies to rid the world of the illegal trade.
According to the Daily Express newspaper, he said: "Tonight we are here with a single, shared purpose – to use our collective influence to put a stop to the illegal killing and trafficking of some of our world’s most iconic and endangered species.
"Never before has a group like this come together – in these numbers – to stop the illegal trade in wildlife. All of us in this room have a duty to make sure that tomorrow, February 13, is a date that marks the beginning of the end of this despicable trade."
He paid tribute to his father and grandfather, Prince Philip, who have both campaigned on the issue for years, despite Philip shooting a tiger and posing for a photograph with Queen Elizabeth in 1961, before it was made illegal.
He also failed to mention a hunting trip he went on with his brother, Prince Harry, in Spain this month, which has been described by critics as being "ill-timed."
William said: "We are, as a family, so honoured to be part of this movement. We will stay the course with you until you succeed.
"Let’s turn tonight’s goodwill into action, and, please, let’s be part of the movement that can tell our children and grandchildren that we saved these extraordinary species for them."
The prince also attended a conference with his father and brother at Lancaster House in London this morning to discuss the illegal wildlife trade.
Prince William’s plea to save animals
