Prince William got a taste of the Springboks’ legendary physicality today when he joined a charity rugby union event in Cape Town.
The future king, still wearing his smart jacket from an earlier event in the South African city, joined children from Ocean View Secondary School taking part in a training session along with a number of South African legends including ‘The Beast’ Tendai Mtawarira and Joel Stransky.
Getting stuck into a drill encouraging kicking, handling and counter attack techniques, Stransky saw the royal going for the ball and couldn’t resist grabbing his arm and pulling him away by his jacket.
The prince got a consoling pat on the back from another legend, former England player Jason Leonard.
Stransky told the Mail afterwards: ‘It happened by accident. We were doing the drill and it just happened, instinct took over I guess. It’s always instinct when there is a maul around, it has to be! I just thought afterwards ‘oh no, I’ve grabbed a prince’.
‘But he’s a lovely guy, very humble. He was so genuine. And I think he enjoyed it, to be honest. I expect in his role he would like to get out there and do more like this. He thanked me for taking part.’
Watch as South African rugby legend Joel Stranksy gives the Prince of Wales a run for his money on a rugby pitch where met young people from Ocean View, Masiphumelele and Langa Townships who participate in the Atlas Foundation’s rugby training and digital skills programme 🏉 pic.twitter.com/7VDcqvWdNK
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) November 4, 2024 
The Prince of Wales plays rugby with Joel Stransky today during the session in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales poses for a photograph with former England rugby player Jason Leonard and local school children after a session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby with Joel Stransky today during the session in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales meets former Springboks player Tendai Mtawarira in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales poses for a photo at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales poses for a photo at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales shakes hands with former England rugby player Jason Leonard today
The Prince of Wales meets former Springboks player Tendai Mtawarira in Cape Town today
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales poses for a photo at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
Stransky is a fly-half famed for scoring all of South Africa’s points, including the winning drop goal, against New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
The sporting icon added: ‘I was delighted to be asked to be involved in something special like this. William being here would have meant nothing if he hadn’t had been as absolutely genuine as he was with those kids. He was fantastic.
‘He spoke to each and every one of them, asked them questions, really got involved. He is obviously experienced at this but I think those kids will look at him in a different light.
‘He was a human being, so engaging, so inspiring with them, he encouraged them to be the best they can.
‘He seemed to know what he was doing. His first kick was a little off but after that he was great. A little first time nerves. He liked the rough and tumble and engaged wonderfully with the children. And yes, well, what can I say. I got stuck in too!’
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales meets former Springboks player Tendai Mtawarira in Cape Town today
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
William was visiting the young people who live in the Ocean View, Masiphumelele and Lange Townships who take part in the Atlas Foundations rugby training and digital skills programme.
The charity, founded by former England rugby player Leonard, uses rugby to tackle child poverty.
William learned more about the impact of the apartheid legacy on communities like those at Ocean View and how charities such as Atlas are mentoring youngsters and creating a safe space to keep them out the reach of gangs.
William also heard the cry ‘tackle the prince’ when he challenged a group of teenagers to a game of touch rugby.
He joined former South Africa internationals he dubbed ‘legends’ to take on the fast-footed school children.
The future king played with Stransky and Mtawarira, who joked about his last meeting with William – when he wore just a towel.
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William during a rugby session at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales speaks with former Springboks player Tendai Mtawarira (left) today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
The Prince of Wales poses for a photo at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town today
‘You’re still as big as you were – bigger,’ William said after shaking hands with the imposing ex-player and the group laughed when they reminisced about meeting in a changing room.
Mtawarira, now an entrepreneur who runs his own charitable foundation, said later that William met the South African players after they beat Wales to win the Prince William Cup over a decade ago.
‘He came into the changing room and I was only dressed in my towel and I shook his hand and I said it was nice to shake your hand now I’m fully dressed – as opposed to half naked.’
Ex-England player Leonard hosted the visit and introduced William to groups of teenage boys and girls being coached as part of the ex-sportsman’s Atlas Foundation operating in 19 countries.
William seemed keen to get his hands on the ball and the joined The Beast on a team that bravely tried to pass their way past the youngsters as one young player shouted ‘tackle the prince’.
At one point two teenagers grabbed the royal stopping him in his tracks and leaving him laughing, and during another passage of play The Beast playfully shoved a scrum back and allowed the prince to run in for an unopposed try.
Earlier, William told young environmentalists that they are ‘going to change the world’ as he stepped out for his first outing on a four-day tour of South Africa.
The Prince of Wales encouraged the 120 youngsters participating in the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme during an off-the-cuff speech.
The Prince of Wales speaks with head girl Lyndel Musandida at Ocean View Secondary School
The Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
The Prince of Wales speaks with head girl Lyndel Musandida at Ocean View Secondary School
The Prince of Wales speaks with former Springboks player Tendai Mtawarira (left) today
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
Prince William arrives to meet head girl Lyndel Musandida at Ocean View Secondary School
The Prince of Wales plays rugby today at Ocean View Secondary School in Cape Town
The Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales arrives to meet primary school children from Langa Township today
The Prince of Wales speaks with head girl Lyndel Musandida at Ocean View Secondary School
The Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales speaks with head girl Lyndel Musandida at Ocean View Secondary School
The Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales arrives to meet primary school children from Langa Township today
The Prince of Wales meets primary school children from Langa Township in Cape Town today
William earlier arrived in Cape Town on a commercial flight, determined to put the strains of the last year behind him and focus on his fight against climate change.
The future king, whose father King Charles and wife the Princess of Wales have both faced cancer battles this year, was always determined to attend his Earthshot Prize if their health allowed.
And he has built in a four-day programme of engagements around Wednesday’s high-profile global environmental awards to make the most of his time in the city.
William will meet a wide range of communities to explore issues important to them, and will learn more about work in the region to protect local biodiversity.
Today, William spoke at the Rooftop on Bree in Cape Town to youngsters from across Africa and South East Asia.
Prince William poses for a photo with a group of young people with Table Mountain in the background, at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William takes a selfie with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William joins young environmentalists taking part in the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme on a rooftop location in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William speaks to a group of young people with Table Mountain in the background today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William takes a selfie with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales speaks to an attendee at the Earthshot Prize event in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William with Nomzamo Mbatha after taking a selfie in Cape Town today
William speaks to a group of young people with Table Mountain in the background today
After talking with the group about their ideas to tackle climate issues which included a business making handbags out of old tyres, the Prince said: ‘The Earthshot Prize believes in you and the reason we set the prize up is for moments like this.
‘All of you in this room are future change makes, you’re the leaders, you’re the people going to make the difference going forwards. It’s your platform, use it as you need to, take it away, play with it, turn it into something different.
‘Because we believe in you and what you’re going to do is change the world, I really believe that. This is the generation that are going to do that.
‘And your solutions and your impact are so important and so needed right now. This is not noble, this is business and what you’re doing is creating solutions and a better life for all of us. Keep it going, keep the energy up.’
Throughout the week, the attendees are taking part in immersive masterclasses designed to develop their skills in leadership, storytelling and networking around taking action on climate issues, and opening doors for them to secure future internships and jobs.
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William takes a selfie with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William speaks to a group of young people with Table Mountain in the background today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William takes a selfie with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William poses with young climate activists in front of Table Mountain in Cape Town today
It comes after the Earthshot Prize announced a series of programmes designed to inspire and engage children and young people from the age of five to join the movement helping to fix the planet.
The new initiatives include Project Slingshot, which will launch in partnership with National Geographic, aimed at challenging youngsters aged 13 to 18 to come up with solutions for the most pressing environmental issues.
Throughout the week William will be wearing and showcasing sustainable clothing. His shirt at the first engagement was by Spanish brand ECOALF, along with a matching blue and green bracelet.
Later, joining a group outside against a backdrop of Table Mountain, William was introduced to budding designer Xolile Mabuza.
When she explained that her business, Tendalo Trading, makes handbags from rubber tubes, including car tyres, the Prince responded as he felt the material: ‘You’re joking? That’s an old car tyre, that’s incredible, look at that.’
‘How much connection to the fashion world do you have? Because they would love you. We need to work on that,’ William said, as the group cheered.
After working his way around the room, there was time for a group selfie, with William enthusing in a social media message that he was ‘already feeling inspired.’
Before his arrival, William said: ‘Africa has always held a special place in my heart – as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and most recently as the founding inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize.’
The Prince was pictured arriving at Cape Town Airport today after flying in from London.
Tomorrow he is set to make a landmark speech on nature, the environment and his support for wildlife rangers at the 2024 United for Wildlife Global Showcase.
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William takes a selfie with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales greets an environmentalist at an Earthshot Prize event in Cape Town today
Prince William with Nomzamo Mbatha after taking a selfie in Cape Town today
He will also meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week, as well as take to the water with a local rescue organisation and meet park rangers and fishermen.
But the focus of his visit is Wednesday’s Earthshot Prize, which will be held in a reusable eco ‘super dome’ in the city and feature a ‘green carpet’.
It will be hosted by American actor and singer Billy Porter and South African television presenter Bonang Matheb.
Model and television host Heidi Klum and supermodel Winnie Harlow will be among the guest award presenters.
The awards will go out live across Africa and available to view in the UK on BBC iPlayer.
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
The Prince of Wales speaks to an attendee at the Earthshot Prize event in Cape Town today
Prince William speaks with South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
William and Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones speak to a group in Cape Town today
Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme in Cape Town today
Five winners are chosen from five ‘Earthshots’: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.
This year’s entrants range from a company which has developed sustainable refrigeration to another that removes harmful CO2 from the Ocean, and one that uses palm oil waste to make a sustainable leather alternative.
Each winner receives £1million in prize money to help develop and scale-up their idea and as well access to a global network of mentors.
‘Unlike most prizes, we don’t give awards to people for what they have already achieved. We award for the future potential of their solutions,’ said Earthshot chief executive Hannah Jones.
Ms Jones also said Earthshot Week is ‘dedicated to celebrating environmental innovation, speeding solutions to scale, and inspiring young people to put their time and talent to fixing the planet one solution at a time’ and ‘represents over a year and half of working in the continent with our partners and stakeholders’.
Prince William (centre) arrives at Cape Town Airport today for his four-day visit to South Africa
Prince William gets into a car at Cape Town Airport today as his visit to South Africa begins
William with Hannah Waddingham at the Earthshot Awards in Singapore in November 2023
William and Kate at 2022 Earthshot Awards in Boston, Massachusetts, in December that year
The concept was devised by William and his team after the Prince expressed his frustration at the level of ‘pessimism and despair’ around the environment and climate crisis.
He decided to highlight and expand positive and innovative solutions to the problem with Earthshot, billed as ‘the most ambitious environmental prize in history’.
This year’s event is said to ‘go above and beyond’ anything he has done before.
Africa is a particularly emotive location for William, who found ‘healing’ on the continent following the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. He also proposed to his wife in Kenya.
But Africa is also the continent that, while contributing least to global warming and having the lowest global emissions, is more adversely affected by the impact of climate change than any other.
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