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Prince & Princess of Wales

Having a ball: The Duke of Cambridge attends Tusk Trust 25th anniversary gala at Syon House

The Duke of Cambridge, Royal Patron of Tusk Trust attended the conservation charity’s 25th Anniversary Ball on Thursday evening at Syon House in Middlesex.

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Built in the 1500’s, Syon House is the elegant home of the Duke of Northumberland. The house includes a bedroom used by Queen Victoria. The 3rd Duke built the magnificent Great Conservatory in the 1820’s. It is thought to be the earliest of its kind in the country.

The gardens are Grade I listed and landscaped by the famous gardener Lancelot “Capability” Brown. Brown is best known for his gardens at Hampton Court, Highclere Castle and Blenheim Palace just to name of a few off the long list of surviving gardens designed by Brown.

Thursday’s event honoured the impact the charities work in the midst of the continuing crisis facing wildlife in Africa today.

Willaim was among 500 guests attending the Tusk Ball chaired by Tusk patron, Deborah Meaden, in support of Tusk’s 25th Anniversary Appeal.

Upon his arrival, Deborah Meaden and Charlie Mayhew, Tusk’s CEO and founder greet their Royal Patron. He then went on to meet some key supporters and guests during a pre-dinner reception.

At the start of dinner, William was invited to say a few words. In his speech he noted: “the need to protect wildlife in Africa is greater than ever. We must take action.”

Tusk is a conservation charity, whose goal is to address the numerous challenges encountered by Africa’s wildlife and its people.

Prince William became Royal Patron of Tusk in December 2005.

Now in its 25 years, Tusk has raised more than £25m for projects across Africa.

William is a keen supporter of the charity’s work both personally and publicly on numerous occasions. In 2010, William along with Prince Harry carried out a tour of Botswana. Three years later, he launched the Tusk Conservation Awards.

This week The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award recipient was announced. Edward Ndiritu, the winner of the award, was notified prior to the November ceremony. Ndiritu is being feted for his exceptional work as head of the anti-poaching unit for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.

William sent a personal note of congratulations to Mr Ndiritu thanking him for the work he and his team have undertaken defending the defenceless wildlife and enhancing security in the north of the country.

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Earlier on Thursday, The Duke conducted the Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle Wales where he knighted rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards.

The busy father of two will join his wife and brother Prince Harry and at the opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup and take in a match at Twickenham on Friday.

Photo Credit: World Bank Photo Collection via Flickr