Royals host cricket game to speak out against wildlife trade

Prince William and Prince Harry have taken part in a cricket match with former international players to raise awareness on illegal wildlife trade as part of the #WhoseSideAreYouOn campaign launched by the Duke of Cambridge’s United for Wildlife charity.

The United for Wildlife team won with one ball to spare against the Royal Household team, teaming up with Kevin Pietersen and Devon Malcolm, as well as other players from England and abroad.

The 20/20 match was part of the recently launched #WhoseSideAreYouOn initiative, which aims to raise awareness among the public through sportsmen speaking out against illegal wildlife trade.

Prince Harry has played against his brother for the Royal Household team, while the Duke of Cambridge played for the team carrying the name of his own charity – United for Wildlife.

Speaking to the crowd gathered to see the match, William called for support in exposing illegal wildlife trade.

He said, “Illegal wildlife trade thrives because it is hidden, it is invisible, making it easy for criminals to build and expand their violence and greed. We wanted to find a way to show the world what was happening. Our plea is this. Join us and help stop the illegal poaching”.

The #WhoseSideAreYouOn campaign was launched in June and called for high profile sportspeople to highlight the effects of poaching and importance of conservation, as the number of endangered species, especially rhinos and elephants, killed illegally is rising.

The princes are both sporting ambassadors for the charity, along with David Beckham and Andy Murray who also support the group.

Photo: (paolo) via flickr

Further reading:

Prince William and David Beckham call on the sport world to act against wildlife crime

Elephant shooting reported at South Africa’s Kruger national park

Leonardo DiCaprio donates $1m to protect elephants

Britain pledges £10m to fight illegal poaching

William Hague: fighting illegal wildlife trade is ‘great moral cause’