Prince William on Louis’ hobby: “I live with my fingers in my ears”

Riding, hunting, polo – the royals are associated with more traditional aristocratic hobbies. Prince William’s youngest son Louis likes it more modern. The heir to the English throne revealed this at a gala. The six-year-old tries out to be a musician – to the pride and chagrin of his parents.

“My youngest is currently learning to play the drums,” revealed William, visibly proud, during small talk with British music legends Ronnie Wood (bassist of the Rolling Stones) and Mark Knopfler (guitarist of the Dire Straits) at the Tusk Awards in London on Wednesday evening. However, the new hobby definitely has an impact on everyday life for the young prince’s family. “That’s why I spend my entire life with my fingers in my ears,” joked dad William. Louis is the youngest of three children with his wife Kate.

The future king and the musicians met before the ceremony, where William also awarded the main prize named after him. Every year, the nature conservation organization Tusk awards special achievements in protecting endangered species. This year’s Prince William Prize went to Nomba Ganamé from Mali, who was recognized for his efforts to protect his homeland’s unique elephants.

The prize is “a reminder of how much our planet is threatened by the dangers of climate change, the destruction of habitats through the exploitation of natural resources and the dramatic decline in biodiversity,” warned the prince. “We were so lucky to grow up in a world where there is this incredible wildlife. And I want to preserve that for future generations.”

The two musicians were invited as ambassadors of the foundation. Woods had auctioned off a gorilla statue in the past to donate the proceeds. But the statue was then given back to him, he revealed to the prince. Knopfler donated some of his guitars for auction this year, raising more than 700,000 euros for the foundation. William thanked the musicians and of course the award winners for their commitment to protecting nature: “You give me optimism for the future of our planet.”

William shares his father’s enthusiasm for environmental protection. The current King Charles had been committed to protecting the rainforests long before his coronation. This earned him the nickname “Karl, the Green”.