Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is shedding light on what he describes as ‘one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet’ through a new six-part series titled Guardians. The documentary series follows the crucial work of wildlife rangers who put their lives at risk to protect wildlife in various locations worldwide. The series is set to debut on the BBC Earth’s YouTube channel on May 23, marking a significant departure for the royal as he steps into the world of showbusiness. PEOPLE had the opportunity to join Prince William for a panel discussion where he passionately discussed the importance of highlighting the dangers faced by these unsung heroes.
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In a departure from his usual royal duties, Prince William sat down for a panel discussion at a chic hotel in Soho, London, to discuss the upcoming docuseries. Dressed casually in an open-necked shirt, blazer, and khakis, William expressed his deep interest in the subject matter. The documentary series aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife protectors around the world by showcasing the stories of individuals working in different environments. Through these films, Prince William hopes to educate audiences about the critical role these rangers play in conservation efforts globally.
During the panel discussion, Prince William emphasised the risks and challenges faced by wildlife rangers, stating, “This is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet.” He drew parallels between the dangers faced by rangers and those in traditional high-risk professions like soldiers and police officers. William highlighted the bravery and dedication of these individuals who often work behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, but play a vital role in safeguarding endangered species and habitats.
The first episode of the series focuses on the Congo rainforest and features the story of a reformed poacher, Modiki Claver, who now works to protect the wildlife he once hunted. Subsequent episodes will explore different regions, including the Himalayas of India and the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, shedding light on the challenges faced by rangers in diverse ecosystems. By showcasing these stories, Prince William aims to engage new audiences and draw attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts worldwide.
Prince William expressed his admiration for wildlife TV presenter Sir David Attenborough, citing him as a significant inspiration for his own conservation efforts. He highlighted the role of rangers as essential links between human communities and the natural world, emphasising the need for balance and cooperation to ensure the preservation of biodiversity. Through the Guardians series, William hopes to give a voice to those working tirelessly to protect endangered species and habitats, bridging the gap between environmental conservation and public awareness.
Rohit Singh, the vice president of the International Ranger Federation, who collaborated with Prince William on the series, commended the documentary for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by rangers. Singh underscored the urgent need for more wildlife protectors globally, pointing out the stark imbalance between the number of rangers and the vast areas they are tasked with safeguarding. The series aims to raise awareness about the critical role of rangers and the pressing need for greater support and recognition for their work.
As the Guardians series prepares to launch, Prince William remains committed to advocating for wildlife conservation and the protection of our planet’s natural heritage. By sharing the stories of these brave and dedicated individuals, the Duke of Cambridge hopes to inspire audiences to appreciate the invaluable contributions of wildlife rangers worldwide. Through engaging and informative storytelling, Guardians seeks to underscore the urgent need for global action to preserve biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.