Last year, Prince William was described as a "global statesman" and was ranked the world leader most likely to successfully unite America, and now he is helping the UK Government tackle a global danger.
In New York this September, the United Nations General Assembly will host a High Level Meeting on the growing threat of drug-resistant infections, and Prince William believes the event is a "golden opportunity to call for more action and more unity".
The heir to the throne was speaking at a joint event in London today between The Royal Society and His Majesty's Government, which has just announced a package of up to £85 million to support the international community tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Lancet medical journal claims five million people die every year from causes associated with AMR - by 2050, that number is expected to rise to 10 million.
Prince William speaking at the Royal Society in London today
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Prince William could prove a real asset for the UK Government to urge the global community to unite and take action on this growing threat.
The prince's popularity and star power far outshines any politician according to the latest opinion polls.
When the Prince of Wales speaks, people listen and it is understood by stamping his name on the cause, he hopes to raise awareness among the general public and not just the scientific community.
Today's speech in front of senior international politicians and representatives from the United Nations warned that amicrobial resistance is "indiscriminate" regardless of your wealth or where you come from.
William pictured at The Royal Society in London, to celebrate global efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance
PA
Prince William said: "We stand at a critical juncture where the interconnections between drug resistance, climate change and environmental degradation cannot be ignored.
"Rivers are polluted with antibiotics and oceans are filled with micro-plastics containing resistant bacteria.
"Meanwhile, deforestation is playing havoc with ecosystems facilitating the emergence of new infectious diseases.
"Unless we act now and together, the ripple effects of drug resistance will be felt across generations, jeopardising the wellbeing of our children and our grandchildren."
The Prince of Wales using hand sanitiser during an event at the Royal Society in London
PA
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Today was the first time His Royal Highness had spoken publicly about the issue, but it is understood it is a matter he has passionately cared about for a number of years, having seen the benefits of antibiotics as an Air Ambulance and RAF Search & Rescue pilot.
Last July, he became Patron of The Flemin Initiative, and now medical giant GlaxoSmithKline has pledged £45million of investment into the Initiative as a global leader in antimicrobial innovation.
Prince William explained the money will help open a Fleming Centre in Paddington in four years, bringing together "world-class" experts to keep global drug-resistant infections at bay.
More centres are expected to open around the world, but the first is being built in the heart of London - not far from where Penicillin (used to treat infections) was discovered.
It appears the Prince of Wales is playing a role for the UK Government on an issue it sees as a priority, bringing the global community together and raising awareness about a danger that could affect anyone on the planet.
