Prince William attended the Tusk Conservation Awards in London alone this evening, after his wife Kate was forced to miss the event ‘due to the children’.
Kensington Palace suddenly cancelled the Duchess of Cambridge’s attendance this afternoon, citing an undisclosed matter relating to Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, one.
A spokesman said the absence was ‘due to the children’ but declined to give further details. It is not believed the issue is to do with the health of the children and Kate did join William in meeting the finalists this afternoon.
Prince William looked dashing in a royal blue suit as he arrived at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square for the awards this evening, before joining a reception at the National Portrait Gallery.
It has been a difficult week for the Royal Family; yesterday Prince Andrew announced he is stepping back from public duties ‘for the forseeable future’, over his involvement with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince William attended the Tusk Conservation Awards in London alone this evening, after his wife Kate was forced to miss the event ‘due to the children’
The Duke of Cambridge stands to watch a performance by a traditional African music group as he arrives for the Tusk Conservation Awards in Leicester Square
Prince William looked dashing in a royal blue suit as he arrived at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square for the awards this evening, before joining a reception at the National Portrait Gallery
The Duke of Cambridge arrives at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square, London, to attend the Tusk Conservation Awards
But the strain certainly didn’t show as the Duke grinned and smiled while greeting guests and nominees at the star-studded ceremony.
The annual Tusk Conservation Awards celebrate the achievements of extraordinary people, whose work protecting Africa’s natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed outside their fields.
The Duke of Cambridge will present three awards before delivering a short speech. William has previously said of the event: ‘These awards which mean a great deal to me personally, play a huge part in our mission to preserve Africa’s precious wildlife for its people.
‘It is vital that we recognise the dedication of these unsung heroes and the bravery of rangers risking their lives, day and night, on conservation’s frontline. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.’
Celebrities in attendance at the awards this evening included Strictly Come Dancing star Viscountess Emma Weymouth, who lives on the Longleat estate and is involved in its work with TUSK, as well as a project to help save the Northern White Rhino.
Also in attendance was singer Katherine Jenkins, broadcaster Kate Silverton, actor John Challis and his wife Carol, Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, TV and radio personality Fearne Cotton and impressionist Rory Bremner with his wife Tessa Campbell.
Celebrities in attendance at the awards this evening included singer Katherine Jenkins, who looked radiant in a gold dress and matching shoes (left), and French-Irish presenter Liz Bonnin (right) who also shimmered in a metallic gown
Strictly Come Dancing star Viscountess Emma Weymouth, who lives on the Longleat estate and is involved in its work with TUSK, as well as a project to help save the Northern White Rhino, donned a leopard print frock for the occasion
Bear Grylls and his wife Shara (left) posed for a photo on the green carpet, along with Fearne Cotton and her husband Jesse Wood (right)
Scottish impressionist Rory Bremner attended with his wife Tessa Campbell (right) and Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis arrived with his wife Carol (left)
The Tusk Award for Conservation is given to an emerging leader in conservation in recognition of their contribution to date.
His Royal Highness became Royal Patron of Tusk in December 2005. The Duke has actively supported the charity’s work both privately and publicly on many occasions and last visited Tusk projects in Namibia and Tanzania in 2018.
For almost thirty years, Tusk has pioneered successful conservation action in Africa by protecting wildlife, empowering communities and advancing the frontline in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge pictured at The Tusk Conservation Awards at Banqueting House last year
The Duke of Cambridge pictured at last year’s event with Kate Silverton and an award winner. He previously said the awards ‘mean a great deal to me personally’
The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award recognises the dedication and bravery of rangers working to protect Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife.
The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa is a lifetime achievement award which commends outstanding dedication and contribution to conservation.
Their Royal Highnesses will then attend a reception at the National Portrait Gallery to meet the award nominees, Tusk supporters and sponsors.
This sweet photo of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their ‘date night’ at the Royal Variety Performance was shared to the Kensington Royal Instagram account
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge complimented each other perfectly as they arrived at the star-studded event both wearing black attire
Kate sported a towering pair of black heels underneath her flowing Alexander McQueen gown, which featured sheer sleeves (pictured)
The Cambridge family, pictured in Norfolk in autumn 2018. The children are not said to be unwell, but were the reason Kate cancelled her appearance at the event tonight
On Monday the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium theatre.
Kate looked stunning in a custom black lace overlay Alexander McQueen gown while William sported a traditional tuxedo.
The couple looked in good sorts for the annual event, and the duchess was presented with a posy of flowers by Lydia Jones, 10, while a programme was presented to William by Oliver Hinton, eight.