Prince William Teams with Beckham to Save Wildlife

Prince William is joining forces with soccer star David Beckham on a charity initiative aimed at reducing illegal wildlife trading in animals such as rhinos and elephants.

The initiative includes a Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring William and Beckham, as well as the Prince of Cambridge appearing in the campaign with former NBA basketball star Yao Ming, whose 7-foot-6 frame towers over William in one spot. The globally aired PSA messages will focus on reducing demand for both rhino horn and ivory on the international market.

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"At the root of the illegal wildlife trade is the demand for products that require the deaths of tens of thousands of these animals every year, pushing them further towards extinction," William said of the problem highlighted by the non-profit WildAid, which is collaborating with his royal United for Wildlife organization that works toward safeguarding the world's natural resources for future generations.

"When I learned of the current poaching levels in Africa, I immediately agreed to help get this message out," said Beckham. "It is shocking to think that we could lose these animals from the wild in our lifetimes."

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William -- who welcomed his first son, Prince George, with Kate Middleton in July -- recently ended seven years of military service to focus on more of his royal duties and charity work.