The Prince of Wales visited rural farming communities in North Yorkshire

Prince William, Prince of Wales talks with farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today on May 5, 2026 in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Credit : Owen Humphreys – WPA Pool/Getty

Prince William returned to his royal schedule, visiting rural farming communities in North Yorkshire.

The Prince of Wales, 43, had two engagements in northern England on Tuesday, May 5, aimed at spotlighting rural communities and sustainability, where he met farmers and local residents to understand the opportunities and challenges facing rural areas today.

First, Prince William visited with a group of young farmers and their families in Swaledale to learn how farming has evolved through the decades of multi-generational stewardship and what unique problems farmers are facing today.

In addition to focusing on conservation, many of the young farmers seek to support their families by diversifying the way they use their farms to create income. Some rent out camping space or turn outbuildings into holiday rentals; others have gotten involved in long-term agri‐environment schemes.

Prince William, Prince of Wales talks with young farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crows Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Owen Humphreys – WPA Pool/Getty

Farmers in the area are also vitally important to protecting the natural landscape, as parts of Swaledale and the surrounding uplands are designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The benefits of this are two-fold, as conservation techniques and environmentally sensitive land management practices not only keep the area beautiful but also attract visitors who bring revenue to the area.

Then the prince traveled to the River Bain Hydro in Bainbridge, Wensleydale. The community-owned hydroelectric power station sits in the middle of the picturesque village and powers around 30 homes locally, with excess energy sold off to the National Grid. It is expected to save more than 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide over its 40-year life.

Prince William saw the hydro plan in action, met with the community members who own and maintain the site, and learned more about the station’s eco credentials and how it could be replicated in other locations across the U.K.

The Prince of Wales during a visit with farmers from across Swaledale at a local family farm.

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Prince William’s outing comes just a few days after King Charles and Queen Camilla wrapped up their four-day state visit to the U.S. The royals spent time in Washington D.C., where they attended a state banquet and a massive garden party at the British embassy. Additionally, the King made a historic address to Congress, where he called on politicians to reinforce the bond between the U.S. for the sake of future generations.

Prince William, Prince of Wales (R) talks with farmer Adam Hunter (2R), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and other farmers from the Swaledale area, near Askrigg, North Yorkshire, northern England on May 5, 2026

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Owen Humphreys / POOL / AFP via Getty

Next, they traveled to New York City, where they visited the 9/11 memorial, met Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and attended a star-studded reception for The King’s Trust.

Finally, the King and Queen went down south to Virginia, where they attended a small-town parade in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, as well as a block party and a community potluck.

Following their time in the U.S., the King continued to a two-day visit to Bermuda, while the Queen shocked many with a casual stroll through the airport as she caught a commercial flight.

The Prince of Wales during a visit with farmers from across Swaledale at a local family farm.

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Like his father, Prince William has become a champion of many environmental causes. He founded his Earthshot Prize in 2020, inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s “Moonshot” mission of the 1960s. Channeling the same groundbreaking ambition, Earthshot aims to find ideas for action to save the planet from its most pressing environmental problems.

Each year, winners in five categories — Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix our Climate — receive $1.4 million each. Additionally, some 75 finalists have been recognized and brought into the Earthshot community, collectively securing more than $500 million in investment and philanthropy to find funding and support as they hope to take their ideas forward.

The Prince of Wales during a visit with farmers from across Swaledale at a local family farm.

Prince William visits Swaledale on May 5, 2026.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Prince William announced in February that the 2026 Earthshot Prize will take place in Mumbai, India, in November 2026. He and Kate Middleton visited in 2016 as part of a successful and extensive tour of the country.

“This country is a global technology leader, it’s home to 8% of the world’s biodiversity. It’s the world’s fastest-growing major climate with the largest population of young people in the world. And it’s home to more Earthshot Prize finalists and winners than any other country on the planet. We’re going to India.”