When New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, stepped down from her role leading the country in January, many wondered what she would do next.
We now know her next project, and it’s a royal one at that.
Prince William, who Jacinda had built up a good friendship with during her time as PM, has instilled the respected politician into the board of Earthshot Prize – a project led by the Prince of Wales to recognise contributions to environmentalism.
In an Instagram post made on the Earthshot Prize profile, the appointment was announced with praise for the 42-year-old’s ‘life-long commitment to sustainable development and climate action’.
In a statement on Earthshot’s website, Prince William expressed his delight at the new appointment, revealing that the ex-PM was apart of early discussions when he was still establishing the foundation,
“Four years ago, before The Earthshot Prize even had a name, Jacinda was one of the first people I spoke to, and her encouragement and advice was crucial to the Prize’s early success.
“I am hugely grateful to her for joining us as she takes the next steps in her career.”
William also took to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account to share the news, with a personal note saying, “It is an honour to welcome Jacinda to The Earthshot Prize team.
“Her life-long commitment to supporting sustainable and environmental solutions, along with her experience as Prime Minister of New Zealand, will bring a rich infusion of new thinking to our mission.”
Prince William shared the announcement to the Instagram stories of the Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account. (Image: Instagram)
The Prince and Princess of Wales have met Jacinda several times since she took office in 2017, with their last official meeting taking in September 2022 when Ms Ardern and her partner attended the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
When the mother-of-one stepped down from her role as Prime Minister, saying she no longer had ‘enough in the tank’, Prince William and wife Princess Catherine released a statement expressing their support to the Kiwi.
Prince William and Jacinda Ardern during the Princes solo visit to New Zealand in 2019. (Image: Getty)
Taking to their Kensington Royal Twitter, the message, signed off by ‘W & C’, said: ‘Thank you Jacinda Ardern for your friendship, leadership and support over the years, not least at the time of my grandmother’s death. Sending you, Clarke and Neve our best wishes.’
