The one place Prince William says he can 'be himself'

Prince William has spoken of his fondness for Africa, saying it is one of the few places he can "be myself."

The Prince of Wales, 42, has been visiting the continent since he was a child. It is also where he proposed to the Princess of Wales.

"I'm feeling good. I can't quite believe we're here, fourth year, in Africa," Prince William told People on the green carpet at the Earthshot Price Awards held overnight.

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"But I'm really pleased because I've been looking forward to an Africa Earthshot for a long time. I love the continent, and I'm so pleased we've managed to get here to Africa."

He continued: "Africa's been a big part of my life since I've been a young boy, since I first came to Africa."

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"I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point," he continued.

"And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it's a really special place, a home from home for me."

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William has been in South Africa for the past four days ahead of the awards night in Cape Town.

The royal has been showcasing sustainable fashion during the trip.

For the awards g ala he wore a vintage blazer sourced from a local vintage store in London and sustainable sneakers that are zero-plastic and biodegradable.

The royal spent his time during the trip meeting local and chatting to finalists for the Earthshot Prizet, which he launched in 2020.

The program is aimed at highlighting and supporting innovating environmental solutions.

Prince William spoke of he and his wife's efforts to teach their three children about the environment.

"Every family tries to do what they can to sort of help with the environment," he said, People reports.

"We go through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimize water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that, and making sure, which is sensible in what we do around the environment."

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"I think every family has these conversations. You just try to do what you can," he added.

The Prince and Princess of Wales live in Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle with their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

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