The Earthshot climate awards initiated by William went to five start-up entrepreneurs who are committed to climate protection, for example with packaging made from sea plants. The jury included conservationist David Attenborough and actress Cate Blanchett. The award winners they selected received a million pounds (1.17 million euros) each.

The award ceremony marked the end of the first visit to the United States by the heir to the British throne and his wife in eight years. During the three days, they focused primarily on environmental issues, and William also briefly met US President Joe Biden. The trip was overshadowed by a renewed racism debate about the British royal family, which was triggered by statements made by William's godmother Susan Hussey to the black charity activist Ngozi Fulani.