Prince William has demonstrated his impressive French language skills shared by his father, King Charles, while speaking on the global state.
The Prince of Wales was in Monaco to attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, environmental summit focused on ocean preservation.
William delivered a keynote address at the event in which he said the guests were “united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety”.
The opening and closing remarks of the Prince’s speech were delivered in fluent French.
William demonstrated his French speaking skills
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“Bonjour. C’est un plaisir d’être avec vous aujourd’hui, pour aborder un sujet important qui me tient à cœur,” William began in his address.
His first comments translated to: “Hello. It is a pleasure to be with you today, to discuss an incredibly important issue that I hold dear to my heart.”
As his speech concluded, William returned to French for his closing remarks.
“Thank you so much again for having me here today. The time for action is now. Have a wonderful afternoon. Thank you,” he said in the official language of Monaco.
William was speaking at the the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco
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King Charles also recently demonstrated his own French speaking ability while delivering his landmark throne speech in Canada.
Addressing gathered Canadian lawmakers, Charles delivered a 26-minute address in which he flipped between English and French regularly.
“I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation,” he opened in the language of the Quebec region.
He continued: “The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much.”
King Charles also showed off his French while speaking in Canada
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“I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received,” the monarch concluded in French.
Charles was also celebrated for his fluent language skills as he spoke at the French Senate in 2023.
He also impressed as he addressed guests while attending a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles in France.
Outside of demonstrating a similar talent to his father, Prince William attended Blue Economy and Finance Forum to warn guests that the “clock is ticking” on being able to save the world’s oceans.
“2030 is fast approaching, and only 17 per cent of land and just three per cent of the ocean has been fully protected.
“If we are to reach our goal, we urgently need to take bold action to protect and restore our planet,” William declared.
Even as he acknowledged that the “challenge is like none that we have faced before,” the Prince assured that he remained an “optimist”.
“I believe that urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history,” he said.
The Prince of Wales was attending as the founder and president of The Earthshot Prize.
