Jacinda Ardern appears to have picked her side in the ongoing feud between the Cambridges and The Sussexes.
The ultra-woke former Prime Minister of New Zealand – a long-time admirer of the Prince and Princess of Wales – revealed today she is joining the board of Prince William’s beloved Earthshot Prize, months after she publicly distanced herself from her inclusion in Meghan and Harry’s Netflix ‘docuseries’.
In an Instagram post, Earthshot – a project led by the Prince of Wales to recognize contributions to environmentalism – praised the once-popular politician’s ‘life-long commitment to sustainable development and climate action’.
In turn, the 42-year-old, who resigned in January after saying she no longer had ‘enough in the tank’, praised the organization for its ‘power to encourage and spread not only the innovation we desperately need but also optimism’.
Ms Ardern appeared to distance herself from William’s brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle late last year.
She decided to issue a statement after she was featured in the Netflix Live To Lead ‘docuseries’, presented by the Sussexes. She raised eyebrows by insisting she was unaware of their involvement when she agreed to take part in the programme, a celebration of ‘inspirational leaders in history.
Once a darling of the left, Ms Ardern was for years hugely popular in New Zealand – and enjoyed almost a celebrity status abroad.
But by the end of her five-and-a-half-year tenure, she faced criticism and protests – after implementing some of the harshest Covid restrictions in the world, accusations of failing to meet promises on reducing child poverty and escalating crime rates.
She described climate change as a great challenge for her generation, but her green policies were labeled unrealistic. Farmers condemned her bizarre proposals to tax ‘cow burps’ and other emissions.
In a statement on Earthshot’s website, Prince William expressed his delight at the new appointment.
He said: ‘It is an honour to welcome Jacinda to The Earthshot Prize team.
‘Her life-long commitment to supporting sustainable and environmental solutions, along with her experience as Prime Minister of New Zealand, will bring a rich infusion of new thinking to our mission.
‘Four years ago, before The Earthshot Prize even had a name, Jacinda was one of the first people I spoke to, and her encouragement and advice were crucial to the Prize’s early success.
‘I am hugely grateful to her for joining us as she takes the next steps in her career.’
‘She is a tremendous champion of environmental innovation, and her perspective, experience, and guidance will no doubt make a powerful impact on the entire Earthshot Prize organization.
‘My fellow Trustees and I are thrilled to welcome Jacinda in her new role.’
It is not the first time that Ms. Ardern appears to have been friendly with the Prince and Princess of Wales, as the couple were amongst those who thanked the politician for her support while leading the Commonwealth nation, particularly following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
