Emma Watson, renowned for her roles in film and her activism, graced the stage at a business forum hosted by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife on Monday, 22 June 2026. This event took place during London Climate Action Week, an initiative aimed at addressing urgent climate issues, and was attended by prominent figures including actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Prince William.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Emma-Watson-United-for-Wildlife-062226-1-9e700ad313534d7ea2eae9da4c04dc4a.jpg)
During the forum, Watson, Cumberbatch, and the Prince of Wales engaged in discussions centred on environmental conservation and the collective duty of society to safeguard the planet’s natural resources. The event highlighted the importance of narrative in effecting change, with Watson emphasising the significant impact a brand’s storytelling and transparency can have on public perception, particularly among younger generations. “It matters to young people,” she asserted, underlining the role of effective communication in environmental advocacy.
Watson’s involvement with the Earthshot Prize is noteworthy, as she previously presented the “Fix Our Climate” award at the inaugural ceremony in London in 2021. This esteemed initiative, founded by Prince William, awards winners across five categories with approximately £1 million to assist in implementing innovative solutions for ecological challenges. The Earthshot Prize aims to inspire and celebrate efforts to protect and restore the planet over a decade-long period.
Reflecting on her experiences in the entertainment industry, Watson recounted a humorous incident from her time filming the Harry Potter series. She described a moment when she mistook a group of photographers for her fans, only to discover they were actually there to photograph a rare bird, the red kite, which had made its way into her garden. The amusing mix-up, shared with the audience, served as a light-hearted reminder of the unexpected moments that can occur in both the natural world and in the public eye.
Outside of her film career, Watson has committed herself to various social issues, consistently utilising her platform for the greater good. She was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014 and spearheaded the HeForShe campaign, aimed at encouraging men to support gender equality. Her advocacy work demonstrates her dedication to empowering others and fostering social change.
In addition to her contributions to gender equality, Watson was instrumental in the *Time’s Up* initiative, co-founding a legal advice hotline in 2019 for women in the UK facing workplace sexual harassment. She expressed the initiative’s significance, stating, “Understanding what your rights are, how you can assert them, and the choices you have if you’ve experienced harassment is such a vital part of creating safe workplaces for everyone.” This project aimed to provide crucial support for women navigating challenging work environments.
The business forum also allowed for a broader dialogue about climate action and the role of various sectors in creating sustainable solutions. The participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those in entertainment and royalty, underscores the urgency of the climate crisis and the necessity for collaborative efforts.
As the event concluded, attendees were left with a reinforced sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and social justice, inspired by the collective voices raised in advocacy. Watson’s presence not only embodies the intersection of celebrity and activism but also exemplifies how influential figures can galvanise public discourse on crucial issues.
The ongoing commitment from individuals like Emma Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Prince William highlights a collective aim to influence both policy and public perception. Such initiatives play a significant role in mobilising communities and inspiring action to protect the planet for future generations. Ultimately, events like the Royal Foundation’s forum are crucial in fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness surrounding climate change and the essential actions needed to address it.