The Prince of Wales has received the symbolic keys to Rio de Janeiro, marking the commencement of his five-day visit to Brazil.
Prince William accepted the honor from Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes atop Sugarloaf Mountain, with a stunning view of the Christ the Redeemer statue in the background.
The Prince reached the summit via cable car, surprising tourists who were waiting in line. Upon his descent, he engaged with onlookers, posing for selfies with those eager to catch a glimpse of him.
This is Prince William’s first visit to Brazil, dedicated to two prominent environmental missions. He is scheduled to present the Earthshot Prize on Wednesday, an annual award from his own charitable foundation.
The following day, he will travel to Belem, located in the Amazon rainforest, to deliver a speech at COP30, the UN climate meeting where global governments discuss strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
This marks Prince William’s inaugural international trip for a COP summit, a role previously held by his father, King Charles, who has addressed world leaders on numerous occasions.
Prince William did accompany his father at the Glasgow COP summit in 2021, which took place two weeks after the inaugural Earthshot Prize ceremony.
The Earthshot Prize annually grants £1 million across five categories to projects focused on repairing the global climate. Prince William has committed to the initiative for 10 years, with this year’s event in Rio marking the halfway point.
This year’s finalists include an upcycled skyscraper in Sydney, the island of Barbados, and Matter, a Bristol-based company specializing in filtering microplastics from washing machines.
When he unveiled the nominees, the Prince emphasized the importance of optimism and courage.
“The individuals behind these projects are the heroes of our time. We must support them, for if we do, we can create a world that is cleaner, safer, and filled with opportunity, not only for future generations but for the lives we aspire to live now.”
Following the ceremony, Mayor Paes remarked that Prince William was “amazed with the beauty of the city,” joking, “He’s got the keys, he can do whatever he wants in the next 72 hours. The city belongs to Prince William. I’m still the king, but it will belong to him!”
Prince William’s visit to Rio de Janeiro represents his most significant royal engagement this year and his first public appearance since the controversy surrounding his uncle, Prince Andrew.
Speculation has arisen that Prince William played a key role in King Charles’ recent decision to sanction Prince Andrew by stripping him of his remaining titles and requesting him to vacate his Windsor residence; however, sources close to the situation refute this.
While Prince William’s influence as the future monarch is undeniable, the ultimate decision rested with the King, in consultation with his advisors and the government.
In addition to the environmental events, the Prince’s itinerary includes opportunities to experience some of Rio’s other iconic landmarks.
As a devoted football enthusiast and chairman of the English Football Association, a visit to the Maracana Stadium, the site of some of Brazil’s most celebrated football moments, was arranged for his first day.
He was greeted by Cafu, Brazil’s most-capped player, who presented him with a signed Brazil number 2 jersey.
The legendary right back, the only player in history to appear in three World Cup finals, was also scheduled to lead training drills with local children alongside the Prince.
Cafu will also serve as a presenter at the Earthshot Prize ceremony, joining former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade, and Brazilian environmental activist Txai Suruí.
The council is reviewing its policy of letting biodiversity areas become overgrown with weeds.
The persistent pollutants which build up in the environment have been linked to serious illnesses.
The Rescuing Rocks and Overgrown Relics scheme will focus on former mining and quarrying locations.
Bristol-based company Matter is a finalist in the global Earthshot Prize awards.
Your questions answered on the €350m (£308m) scheme first proposed in 2006.