Prince William has launched Ready Together, a new emergency preparedness toolkit created with the National Emergencies Trust, while issuing an unexpected warning about the UK’s growing wildfire risk. The Prince of Wales teamed up with actor and broadcaster Ross Kemp, an ambassador for the charity, to encourage communities across the country to be better prepared for emergencies.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, with a campaign video in which Kemp opens with a light-hearted nod to his television work. “You can’t prepare for a Traitors roundtable, but you can prepare for an emergency,” he says, before the introduction gives way to a more serious message. The video shows William, Kemp and members of the community discussing how preparation can make a difference when a crisis strikes.
Sharing the launch on Instagram, William wrote: “Many people are ready to help their neighbours in an emergency. Far fewer feel their community has a plan in place.” His message points to a gap between willingness to assist and actual readiness, which the new toolkit aims to close by encouraging practical planning for a range of emergencies.
The Prince put the Ready Together campaign’s message into practice during a visit to Ilminster Fire Station, where he met firefighters and local partners working to tackle the threat of wildfires across Devon and Somerset. During the visit, William heard how mapping and forecasting technology is helping fire and rescue teams identify areas at greater risk. The engagement underscored the initiative’s focus on equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively when emergencies occur.
Ready Together was developed in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, a charity that supports people affected by emergencies across the UK. Kemp’s role as an ambassador for the organisation adds a public-facing element to the campaign, leveraging his profile to draw attention to the importance of community resilience. The campaign video features discussions between William, Kemp and community members, illustrating how preparation can mitigate the impact of crises.
The launch comes as wildfire risk continues to grow in parts of the UK, with fire and rescue teams increasingly relying on technology to map and forecast areas of concern. William’s visit to Ilminster Fire Station highlighted the work being done on the ground in Devon and Somerset, where local partners are collaborating to address the threat. The Prince’s engagement with firefighters and local partners reflects the campaign’s emphasis on practical, community-led preparedness.
By encouraging communities to make plans, Ready Together seeks to foster a culture of readiness that extends beyond individual households. The initiative’s toolkit is designed to help people understand what steps they can take to protect themselves and support their neighbours during emergencies. William’s involvement signals a sustained commitment to the cause, using his platform to amplify the message.
As the campaign rolls out, the focus will remain on translating awareness into action. The combination of William’s advocacy, Kemp’s ambassadorial role and the National Emergencies Trust’s expertise aims to drive home the message that preparation is a shared responsibility. For communities across the UK, the launch of Ready Together offers a framework to build resilience before the next emergency strikes.
Source: Geo News