Prince William Visits Recent Earthshot Prize Finalist NatureMetrics Alongside Schoolchildren: 'Best Day of My Life'

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William with local schoolkids during visit to NatureMetrics on Jan. 29, 2025.Photo:PA Images/INSTARimages

The Prince of Wales with local school children as they filter DNA samples through a syringe after extracting water from a local pond in order to see what species live in it, during a visit to 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist, NatureMetrics, in Guildford, Surrey

PA Images/INSTARimages

Prince Williamis paying a visit to one of his Earthshot Prize’s most recent group of finalists.

According to Kensington Palace, NatureMetrics uses its unique technology to revolutionize the scale and accessibility of nature data collection through environmental DNA (eDNA), helping commercial and conservation organizations make more informed choices to better protect and maintain biodiverse ecosystems.

Prince William has fun during his visit to NatureMetrics, near Guildford, U.K., on Jan. 29, 2025.PA Images/INSTARimages

The Prince of Wales with local school children as they filter DNA samples through a syringe after extracting water from a local pond in order to see what species live in it, during a visit to 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist, NatureMetrics, in Guildford, Surrey

NatureMetrics was a finalist in the Protect and Restore Nature category at the fourth iteration of William’s Earthshot Prize Awards,held in Cape Town, South Africa last November. Since the company became a finalist, NatureMetrics has secured a $25 million investment, raised with support from The Earthshot Prize’s investment platform Launchpad, according to Kensington Palace.

While collecting samples, NatureMetrics founder Dr. Kat Bruce jokingly suggested the Prince of Wales and the schoolchildren aim water at the media, to which William replied, “Great idea,” according toHello!.

Elsewhere in the science-packed visit, William cheekily said, “Don’t get too technical or I won’t understand anything you are saying,” according to the outlet.

Prince William makes a mini extraction of DNA in a laboratory as he visits the Earthshot Prize Finalist Nature Metrics, in Guildford, on January 29, 2025.RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William, Prince of Wales (front) makes a mini extraction of DNA in a laboratory as he visits the 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalist at the UK based nature company Nature Metrics, in Guildford, on January 29, 2025

RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William then visited the laboratories where all samples are analyzed and viewed a demonstration of NatureMetrics’ Intelligence platform, a customer platform where biodiversity health insights can be viewed.

NatureMetrics currently has over 600 clients operating in more than 110 countries across multiple industries. Kensington Palace said its recent $25 million investment will enhance the company’s nature data platform, expand its international reach and scale its solution to meet the increasing data requirements of its corporate and conservation customers.

Prince William with the young schoolkids who visited NatureMetrics in Guildford, U.K., on Jan. 29, 2025.Richard Pohle/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

Prince William visits the 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalist, NatureMetrics, Guildford, UK - 29 Jan 2025

Richard Pohle/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

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source: people.com