Why Are Prince William and Hannah Waddingham Playing Darts and ‘Swigging’ Beers?

Prince William and actress Hannah Waddingham are teaming up in a new documentary on the Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize.

The Earthshot Report, premiering on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the U.K. on Dec. 15 and on PBS at 8pm ET in the U.S. on Dec. 18, showcases the environmental solutions the competition has inspired around the globe, offering a “dose of urgent optimism.” Heir to the throne William, 42, will appear in a special introduction, while Ted Lasso star Waddingham, 50, is the program’s host.

To promote the upcoming documentary, Waddingham — an avid supporter of the initiative — joined William for a friendly game of darts and a round of beers at Alexandra Palace, the iconic entertainment and sports venue in North London. The playful moment features in a new promotional video released on Saturday, Dec. 14.

In the short film, William steps out of his car at Alexandra Palace as Waddingham says with a grin, “Welcome to my palace! Shall we go in and have a look and cause some mischief?”

William chuckles and replies enthusiastically, “Yes, I think that’s a great idea.”

They make their way into the venue, where history has already been made in 2021 as the site of the first-ever Earthshot Prize awards. With the World Darts Championships soon to take over the space on Dec. 15, it seemed only fitting that their meeting would involve a few games of darts and some beers to catch up ahead of the launch of the new documentary.

They saddle up to the bar with their pints, clinking their glasses with cheers before settling at a table. The conversation quickly turned toward the Earthshot Prize’s goals, origins, and the journey ahead. At one point, Prince William described the initiative as akin to a dating app—connecting innovative thinkers with investors and opportunities.

But before the conversation became too formal, they decided it was time to try their hand at a friendly round of darts. Hannah glances at the board with mock apprehension.

“I’m feeling equal joy and terror about playing darts with you, you know, the future King of England,” she says, laughing.

William gives a playful grin. “I think ladies first so I can see what I’m up against.”

Hannah steps up confidently and takes her first shot — only for the dart to fly far above the board. She and William burst into laughter. 

Undeterred, William steps up next and manages three sharp hits, all much closer to the bullseye. “I’m immediately furious!” Hannah says with a laugh.

The two continued their playful competition, tossing darts and chatting more about the Earthshot Prize and its vision. The conversation turns more personal as Hannah asks about William’s efforts to instill the Earthshot ethos in his children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.

“I talk to my children all the time about it,” he shares. “It’s important that they see, touch, feel, and experience nature. It’s very hard for anyone to understand what’s the point of protecting it if you’ve never used it.”

At one point, William’s dart veers off course and hits the ground. “Cut, cut, cut! Hide it!” he jokes, both of them laughing at the mishap as they wrap up their friendly game and return to their table for one final sip of beer.

Hannah holds up her glass with a toast: “Another quick swig — cheers!”

William grins and raises his glass back, saying: “Thanks, Hannah. Don’t let’s start drinking then, we’ll be here all day!”

The Earthshot Report is the latest step in the Earthshot Prize’s journey to spotlight innovative environmental solutions. Inspired by the optimism of new ideas and cutting-edge solutions, the documentary — hosted by Waddingham and features a special introduction from Prince William — the film explores the stories of Earthshot finalists and winners across the globe, from South America to Africa and the United Kingdom.

In his introduction, William says, “The Earthshot Prize was launched in 2021 to spotlight and support people from across the world who are coming up with ground-breaking innovations to help repair our planet.

“They are just a sample of a new wave of inventors, doers and thinkers who are enabling us to feel hope and optimism, despite the negative forecasts.

“Now, in 2024, individuals, communities, and nations are innovating like never before. More and more people are joining the journey to protect the future of our planet.”

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William traveled to Cape Town at the start of November for the glittering award ceremony in a sustainable eco-dome alongside stars such as Heidi Klum and Nina Dobrev.

The Earthshot Prize itself has already proven impactful. Since its inception in 2020, the initiative has awarded $25 million in prize money and mobilized over $108 million in support for innovative projects worldwide. From reducing emissions equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road for a year to protecting vast areas of land and ocean, the program has proven that collective action can create extraordinary change.

The Earthshot Report will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 5pm GMT on Sunday, Dec. 15 in the U.K. and on PBS at 8pm ET on Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the U.S.