Prince William is proving that when it comes to environmental action, he’s not afraid to bend royal protocol for the greater good.
During the debut episode of A Right Royal Podcast by Hello! magazine, released as part of London Climate Action Week, Earthshot Prize 2022 winner Pierre Paslier offered a rare and heartwarming glimpse into working with the Prince of Wales.
Paslier, co-founder of the eco-friendly packaging company Notpla, described his first encounter with William as “intimidating,” given the royal’s reputation and the tightly controlled nature of royal visits. However, the young innovator was quickly put at ease. “He is exactly the way he comes across—kind, curious, and committed,” Paslier noted, reflecting on a visit William made to his seaweed lab in Hackney Wick.
In a moment that defied expectations, the royal completely disregarded his strict schedule during the visit. “Everything was timed to the minute, but William just stayed—he threw the plan out and hung out with us for an extra hour. We ended up eating pizza together,” Paslier recalled with a smile.
This casual but impactful interaction left a lasting impression, not just on the Notpla team but on those following William’s climate efforts. The Earthshot Prize, launched by the Prince, has become a global platform for spotlighting breakthrough environmental solutions. Thanks to William’s support, Notpla’s biodegradable seaweed-based packaging has found its way into major events like Wimbledon and several stadiums, replacing single-use plastics.
Hello!’s podcast also touched on the equally strong environmental commitment of Princess Kate, who has long championed nature and early childhood development. Although she is currently recovering from her recent battle with cancer, her influence continues to be felt in the climate space alongside William’s efforts.
Prince William’s hands-on, human approach and willingness to break from royal rigidity make him a standout leader in the modern monarchy. By supporting innovators like Paslier and actively promoting climate solutions, William is showing how the crown can serve as a powerful catalyst for global change.