- The Prince of Wales was pictured at the outing in Surrey this afternoon
- READ MORE: Prince William reveals rare insight into family days out with Kate and the children
The Prince of Wales gleefully goofed around with lake water as he visited a 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist this afternoon.
William, 42, appeared to be in high spirits as he and local school children in Guildford filtered DNA samples through a syringe after extracting water from a local pond.
And the royal playfully turned the tables on the media, joyfully dousing them with the water collected and declaring: 'This is, like, the best day of my life!'
He was encouraged to cheekily have a go at journalists by the founder of DNA research organisation Nature Metrics, Dr Kat Bruce, on a visit to their headquarters in Surrey today.
During a pond-dipping session, he was handed a syringe from which samples would be taken to test what local wildlife and bacteria were present in the lake.
Asked to expel the excess water, Dr Bruce suggested shooting it towards a small group of media covering the engagement, much to his delight.
In fact he was given three goes at it, coming perilously close to getting them wet.
Afterwards he said: 'It wasn't my idea! I could just claim I was giving in.'
The Prince of Wales gleefully goofed around with lake water as he visited a 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist this afternoon
'It was perfect spraying at the journalists,' he was heard to say mischievously as he stood in an adjacent corridor to the press pack.
Hearing the conversation one reporter shot back: 'We're here!'
William shot his head around the corner grinning: 'I know!'
The Prince of Wales was obviously in his element visiting the firm, a finalist in his 2024 Earthshot Prize awards, designed to scale up some of the most positive solutions to the global environmental crisis.
NatureMetrics is a UK based nature company which enables companies to measure and report on their impact on nature and ecosystems.
The company uses environmental DNA (eDNA) found in the surroundings to identify individual species using easy-to-collect water, air or soil samples.
William, 42, appeared to be in high spirits as he and local school children in Guildford filtered DNA samples through a syringe after extracting water from a local pond
And the royal playfully turned the tables on the media, joyfully dousing them with the water collected and declaring: 'This is, like, the best day of my life!'
During a pond-dipping session, he was handed a syringe from which samples would be taken to test what local wildlife and bacteria were present in the lake
The Prince of Wales was obviously in his element visiting the firm, a finalist in his 2024 Earthshot Prize awards, designed to scale up some of the most positive solutions to the global environmental crisis
This eDNA then offers a detailed picture of a site's biodiversity and a full spectrum of life, including anything from bacteria to blue whales, enabling businesses to understand the natural world around their operations and make informed operational and financial decisions, driving a shift towards a more sustainable global economy.
Since becoming a Finalist, NatureMetrics has secured a $25 million investment, raised with support from The Earthshot Prize's investment platform Launchpad.
Dressed in practical boots, chinos and a jacket, William was initially taken down to a lake on the research park where local schoolchildren were helping to extract eDNA samples with founder Cat and social media science communicator 'Big Manny'.
'Great so we can see how it actually works,' he said enthusiastically .
'You guys are very good at science,' he added as the children spoke knowledgeable about what they were about to do.
He was asked to put on gloves so as not to contaminate the samples, Dr Bruce explaining that previously samples had been contaminated by the 'tuna sandwich people had for lunch'.
'Look at the size of these syringes, wow!' he remarked.
This eDNA then offers a detailed picture of a site's biodiversity and a full spectrum of life, including anything from bacteria to blue whales
The Prince of Wales pictured with Dr Kat Bruce founder of nature metrics as they look at DNA samples extracted from areas around the world
'Huge. Half a pond.'
Dr Bruce encouraged her team to demonstrate 'all at once how we filter the water'.
'The question is where we should squirt the water towards? I wonder if we could do an extra big squirt…' and gestured towards the media.
William's lips twitched and he said: 'Because you have suggested it I think it's a great idea. I couldn't suggest it but….
Grimacing as he pushed down the plunger he laughed: 'Nearly, so nearly!'
Going in for a second go he admired one of the children's 'full loaded' efforts.
'Go on, go on… oh it won't quite make it,' he said.
After the fun the prince visited the laboratories where all samples are analysed.
The Prince of Wales pictured making a mini extraction of DNA while sitting at a work bench today
Last month William introduced a new documentary, The Earthshot Report, which premiered on BBC One and showcased environmental solutions that have been spotlighted and supported by the royal's prize.
Emmy award-winning actress and 'good friend of the Earthshot Prize' Hannah Waddingham hosted the documentary, which 'explored the inspiring stories of environmental innovators working to deliver solutions which have the power to protect and restore our planet for future generations'.
In his introduction filmed in a forest, William reminded viewers that the Earthshot Prize 'was launched in 2021 to spotlight and support people from across the world who are coming up with ground-breaking innovations to help prepare our planet.'
The Prince of Wales, dressed in a casual blue jacket, added: 'They are just a sample of a new wave of inventors, doers and thinkers who are enabling us to feel hope and optimism, despite the negative forecasts.
'Now, in 2024, individuals, communities and nations are innovating like never before.
'More and more people are joining the journey to protect the future of our planet.'
The Earthshot Report, he continued, brings together 'previous finalists' to see 'how their ideas are scaling up'.
