Harry jokes about filming at surprise London awards speech

Prince Harry joked about audience members filming him during a surprise appearance at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards in London, then used his speech to discuss the travel industry’s responsibility to protect destinations. He appeared as founder of Travalyst, the nonprofit initiative focused on sustainable travel.

“All I can see is phones,” Harry said as he opened his remarks, prompting laughter from the audience. He then referred to the speaker who had preceded him, saying, “You guys, literally he just talked about it.” Video of the event shows Harry smiling as he addressed the crowd.

Harry went on to speak about tourism and environmental protection. “I believe that an industry built on extraordinary places of our world has both a responsibility and a business imperative to protect it,” he said. Travalyst, which he founded in 2019, promotes more sustainable practices across the travel industry.

One report said Harry also announced that Wanderlust had joined Travalyst’s Affiliate Network. The development was not detailed in the other coverage of his remarks.

The London appearance was described as unannounced. It took place at the Old Royal Naval College, where Harry spoke at...