Prince William visits Cape Town with Steve Irwin’s son Robert

The prize, started by Prince William, supports sustainable, eco-friendly projects from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1m.

In blustery but sunny weather on Tuesday, the Prince, dressed in sustainable clothing, walked through the park and viewed the panoramic views down over Cape Town from one of the world’s most recognisable tourist attractions.

The Prince was guided through the National Park by park rangers, firefighters, mountain rescue volunteers, biodiversity experts and youth volunteers led by Robert Irwin, the son of Australian conservationist and TV presenter, Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray in the Great Barrier Reef in 2006.

In a video posted to his social media accounts, external, Irwin asked the Prince about his favourite African animal.

Prince William, who said he had been quizzed on the issue by his children a number of times previously, put his vote to the cheetah.

Irwin backed the “unsung hero” – the chameleon.

Irwin has long been a keen wildlife photographer and became an Earthshot ambassador in September.

“For the first time we have an environmental movement on a scale we’ve never seen before,” Irwin said of the prize.

“It’s really putting money where it’s needed most, putting support and awareness where it’s needed most but it’s also leading with a sense of positivity – it’s this beacon, this light we can all strive towards,” he added.