Prince William made an unexpected trip to Cardiff to celebrate the burgeoning seaweed industry.
During his visit to Cardiff Metropolitan University, he engaged with businesses and organizations that utilize seaweed in innovative ways. Among his conversations, Prince William humorously recalled a childhood golfing accident that left him with a head wound at the age of eight.
The Future King spoke with Pierre Paslier, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Notpla, a company supplying seaweed packaging to major sporting and music events across the UK. William examined a seaweed-produced golf tee designed to biodegrade and fertilize greens. When asked if he played golf, William jokingly referred to his childhood injury, saying, "No, the last time I played golf," and pointed to his head. This incident occurred in June 1991 when he was rushed to the hospital from Ludgrove Preparatory School in Wokingham, southwest of London, after being struck by a golf club while playing with friends.
Prince William traveled to Cardiff by train, with Kensington Palace sharing a photo of his journey. The caption, written in both English and Welsh, read, "On route to Cardiff today to celebrate seaweed innovation." A subsequent post highlighted the potential of seaweed as a solution to major environmental challenges, emphasizing its abundance and versatility.
During his visit, Prince William attended an event showcasing global businesses leveraging seaweed across various industries. In Cardiff, he witnessed firsthand how Wales is supporting local and international food and drink businesses through advancements in food science, new product development, and biomedical sciences.
Prince William's first stop was Cardiff Metropolitan University, where the Earthshot Prize and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales co-hosted an event celebrating the Welsh seaweed industry. This event highlighted pioneering innovations in the seaweed sector, featuring collaborations with the WWF, an Earthshot Prize Global Alliance partner that supports regenerative seaweed farming in Wales.
In 2022, London-based startup Notpla, co-founded by Pierre Paslier, won the prestigious Earthshot Prize for its plastic-free consumer packaging products made from seaweed and plants. This recognition underscores the significant impact of sustainable seaweed solutions on environmental conservation and innovation.
