Prince of Wales thanks firefighters and stresses the need to prepare for future wildfires
Prince William has thanked firefighters and residents in Wales for their efforts during the UK’s summer wildfires, saying preparation will be crucial in the years ahead.
Kensington Palace released a video showing the Prince of Wales praising South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and the Treherbert community for working together to protect homes and keep people safe.
In the accompanying message, the Palace said Wales experiences around 60% of all UK wildfires. It also recognised the firefighters and other teams who supported the affected community.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to keep people safe, and for sharing their experiences and lessons for the future,” the Palace said.
William described their work as a “hell of an effort” and said he had followed coverage of the fires throughout the summer.
“I was watching it, and I had loads of people talking to me about the fires through the summer and where they were on the news and watching it as well.”
He warned that wildfires could become a regular challenge for the UK and the wider world, making it essential to understand the risks and prepare.
“You guys did a hell of a job because you saved a lot of people’s houses, a lot of land, and I am thinking a lot of lives saved as well, so it was a gargantuan effort by all of you, so well done.”
The video was released after Tom Skye claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been “attempting to drag” William and Catherine into the controversy surrounding Thomas Markle’s letter. William’s message focused on the wildfires and did not address those claims.
