David Beckham has been called upon by Prince William to lend his support to a new global conservation organisation named United for Wildlife.

The retired footballer, who has previously worked alongside the Duke of Cambridge, the president of the Football Association, has filmed a public service announcement for WildAid to help fight against illegal wildlife products.

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

The Far East has the biggest market for banned products, including ivory and rhino horn.