Prince William has apparently poached a charity partner from Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation for his prestigious environmental awards.
US-based restaurant entrepreneur and renowned humanitarian José Andrés was announced today as the newest member of the Prince of Wales Earthshot Prize Board.
He will join his team of high-profile advisors and influencers, who will select the five winners of this year’s high-profile awards designed to scale up some of the most innovative solutions to the global environmental crisis.
Interestingly, Andrew has also partnered since 2020 with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex through their World Central Kitchen project, which provides food aid in crisis areas around the world, including building a community relief centre in India during the Covid crisis.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) previously described its work with its nonprofit Archewell Foundation as an “ongoing philanthropic collaboration.” Archewell also highlighted their “shared mission to support more compassionate, stronger, and healthier communities.”
José Andrés, a restaurateur and celebrated humanitarian based in the United States, has partnered with the Prince of Wales and his Earthshot Prize
Andrés has also been collaborating with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since 2020 through his World Central Kitchen project.
Andrew has strongly supported Prince William’s passion project, which already counts Sir David Attenborough among its supporters.
The chef enjoyed such a close relationship with the Sussexes that Meghan donated her “exclusive” lemon oil cake recipe to Andrew’s charity cookbook early last year.
In 2021, Meghan also sent a cake made with lemons from the gardens of her Montecito mansion to a WCK project in Chicago.
In an interview the following year, the chef spoke glowingly of his “friends,” telling People magazine, “I love them.” He added that he had personally worked with the couple.
Now, however, he has thrown his weight behind Prince William’s passion project, which already counts Sir David Attenborough among its supporters.
It’s unclear whether he’s still working with Archewell and there was no immediate comment from WCK to confirm this.
The chef is one of three “influential” environmental campaigners nominated by the Earthshot Prize Council and will join the future king and Sir David in choosing this year’s winners, who will each receive a £1 million prize to help them expand their work.
In a statement, he said: ‘I am delighted to join the Earthshot Prize Council to help showcase change-makers pushing the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity around the world.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) previously described its work with its nonprofit Archewell Foundation as an “ongoing philanthropic partnership.”
The chef enjoyed such a close relationship with the Sussexes that Meghan donated her “exclusive” lemon oil cake recipe to Andrew’s charity cookbook early last year (pictured: the chef tasting the cake)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the ‘Afro Women and Power’ forum in Cali, Colombia on August 18
Prince William and Prince Harry walk side by side after viewing floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle; the brothers have not spoken for the better part of two years.
‘In good times and bad, I have seen firsthand the power of food to heal and unite communities. Food is the best way to address some of the planet’s most pressing challenges, and I firmly believe that we must transform our food systems to be more sustainable and equitable.
“There is much we can do to inspire the world to see food as a powerful tool for creativity and change, and Earthshot’s solutions are at the forefront of this movement.”
Earthshot also announced yesterday the appointment of its first Global Ambassadors: conservationist Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, and actress Nomzamo Mbath.
Chief Executive Hannah Jones said Mr Andrés’ dedication and experience would strengthen the council’s ability to champion innovative climate solutions.
The chef, twice named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and praised for his humanitarian work since founding WCK in 2010, had attended an Earthshot Innovation Summit for past winners in New York with William last September, hinting at what was to come.
The prince will not be attending the same event this year due to other commitments, which is no bad thing since his estranged brother, Prince Harry, will be in town at the same time for a series of high-profile public appearances as part of climate week.
She will also host an event for the Diana Award, a charity set up in memory of the princes’ late mother.
Instead, William plans to focus on the fourth annual Earthshot Awards ceremony, which will take place in Cape Town in November.
The brothers have not spoken for nearly two years, and their rift was exacerbated by Harry’s repeated public attacks on his family, particularly William.
However, recent reports have suggested that the Duke of Sussex is now keen to reconcile with his family.