Celebrity Chef José Andrés Joins Prince William's Earthshot Prize Council
Renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés has been appointed to the Earthshot Prize Council, strengthening ties between environmental initiatives and royal family members' charitable efforts.
José Andrés, the celebrated chef and humanitarian, has been appointed to the Earthshot Prize Council, an initiative spearheaded by the Prince of Wales. This appointment strengthens the connections between environmental causes and various royal family members' charitable endeavors.
Andrés, who founded World Central Kitchen in 2010, has gained recognition for his nonprofit's efforts in providing meals to communities affected by natural disasters. His organization has a special connection to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as it was the first recipient of funding from their Archewell Foundation in December 2020.
The Earthshot Prize Council, which includes luminaries such as Sir David Attenborough, aims to select winners for the annual £1 million prizes awarded to innovative environmental solutions. Joining Andrés on the council are environmental activist Wanjira Mathai and indigenous activist Nemonte Nenquimo.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Andrés stated:
"I am thrilled to join the Earthshot Prize Council to help showcase the changemakers pushing the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity around the world. Food is the best way to address some of the planet's most pressing challenges, and I firmly believe that we must transform our food systems to be more sustainable and equitable."
[[José Andrés on joining the Earthshot Prize Council]]
The collaboration between Andrés and the Sussexes extends beyond the initial funding. They have supported World Central Kitchen's emergency response efforts in Haiti and Ukraine, as well as initiatives supporting women restaurant owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a remarkable display of support, the Sussex Squad, a group of devoted fans, raised over $100,000 for World Central Kitchen in 2022 to commemorate Princess Lilibet's first birthday.
The Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William in 2020, continues to expand its reach. Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have been named as the first Earthshot global ambassadors.
As the environmental initiative grows, it draws connections across the royal family. During a state visit to Kenya in October 2023, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a reception celebrating the legacy of Wanjira Mathai's mother, Nobel Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai. The King visited Karura Forest in Nairobi, a 1,000-hectare urban forest saved from development by Prof Maathai's efforts.
The next chapter in the Earthshot Prize story will unfold in November 2024, when the five £1 million winners will be announced in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital and second-most populous city.
