Their charitable-minded Highnesses! David Beckham and Prince William launched a new campaign together on Sunday, June 9, to raise awareness for United for Wildlife. The Duke of Cambridge and soccer star, looking sharp in suits, spoke about their passion for conservation issues at the Google Town Hall in London for their new initiative, #WhoseSideAreYouOn.
"I'm really proud to be involved with such an important cause," Beckham, 39, told Us Weekly, "and to be raising massive awareness."
Reflecting his sentiments at the event was Prince William, 31, who gave a speech about what the initiative means to him. "Conservation is something I feel very strongly about," said Kate Middleton's husband. "Linking it with sport, which appeals to people all around the world, seems like the best way to raise awareness," he continued. "There are two thousand critically endangered species on the verge of being lost forever."
"It's time to choose a side," William challenged the crowd, "between the endangered animals and the criminals who kill them for money. I am calling on people all around the world to tell us: whose side are you on?"
Beckham's role will be to head a team of global celebrity ambassadors, including Princes William and Harry, tennis pro Andy Murray, basketball player Yao Ming, and race car driver Lewis Hamilton. "I believe sport is a vital way of engaging and highlighting issues," Beckham told the crowd. "#WhoseSideAreYouOn is a perfect example of how sport can raise awareness about conservation, something that we should all be doing something about."
Speaking with Us about the topic of sports, Beckham said he was eagerly anticipating the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, June 12.
"I'm really excited about England's chances," the retired soccer stud told Us. (During his illustrious career as an athlete, Beckham played at three FIFA World Cups—1998, 2002 and 2006.) "We've got a very strong team going in to the tournament," the Brit added of his national team.
