Princes Join Leaders To Stop Illegal Animal Trade

Prince Charles has welcomed leaders and representatives from more than 40 countries to a London conference aimed at tackling the "despicable trade" in illegal wildlife.

Charles was joined by sons William and Harry for the summit at Lancaster House, near Buckingham Palace, where numerous heads of state and ministers have gathered to discuss how to stop poachers.

Several African countries have sent presidents but China - the biggest market for ivory - has sent no one more senior than its forestry vice-minister.

It is estimated that the worldwide trade in illegal wildlife is worth around £6bn to poachers.

"This is an unprecedented crisis," foreign secretary William Hague told the delegates.

"This is a global criminal industry, ranking alongside drugs and arms.

"There's some evidence to show that terrorists and insurgent groups have benefited from it. We want to send the unequivocal message that this stops now."

The Duke of Cambridge last year brought seven conservation organisations together under the name United for Wildlife.

"We need to believe in our ability to turn the tide," William told an audience at the Natural History Museum in a speech on Wednesday night.

"We need to tackle wildlife crime with a concerted global response as vigorous and forceful as the trade itself."

He described the trade in rhino horn and elephant tusks as "despicable".

But some critics have accused the Duke of hypocrisy after he spent the weekend in Spain with his brother, reportedly hunting wild boar.

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