Prince William commenced a significant five-day visit to Brazil, marked by a warm welcome at Sugarloaf Mountain where he was honored with the keys to Rio de Janeiro. His journey centers on advancing global environmental efforts through the Earthshot Prize and participation in the UN climate conference.
On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Prince of Wales arrived in Rio de Janeiro and made his first stop at the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. There, he was greeted by Mayor Eduardo Paes, who presented him with the symbolic keys to the city during a ceremony on a helipad platform. The backdrop featured breathtaking views of the Christ the Redeemer statue and the cityscape. Surprised tourists and locals cheered as William descended via cable car, and he generously paused to take selfies with the crowd. This gesture highlighted his approachable demeanor and the public’s enthusiasm for his visit.
This visit marks Prince William’s first trip to Brazil and his inaugural international appearance for a COP summit, stepping into a role previously held by his father, King Charles. Over five days, he aims to underscore critical environmental issues, with key events including the Earthshot Prize awards on November 5 and a speech at COP30 in Belém on November 6. The Earthshot Prize, founded by William, awards £1 million grants in five categories to innovators tackling climate change, with this year’s finalists including projects from Sydney, Barbados, and Bristol.
The Earthshot Prize evening in Rio is anticipated to be the largest yet, celebrating solutions for a healthier planet. William has emphasized the urgency of the decade leading to 2030, noting that current actions will shape the future for generations, including his own children. In a recent statement, he praised the nominees as “heroes of our time” and called for widespread support to implement their ideas. The event will feature presentations by notable figures like former footballer Cafu and F1 driver Sebastian Vettel.
Beyond formal duties, William immersed himself in Brazilian culture, visiting the legendary Maracana Stadium. There, he met Cafu, Brazil’s most-capped player, who gifted him a signed national team shirt. William joined in football drills with local children, even taking a penalty kick that he successfully scored, much to the delight of participants. He also engaged in a unique balance exercise where players carried cups of water while playing, showcasing his playful side.
Later, at Copacabana Beach, William played beach volleyball with Brazilian international Carolina Solberg, further connecting with the local community. These activities not only highlighted his passion for sports but also aligned with the trip’s theme of promoting active, sustainable lifestyles. The royal’s itinerary is designed to blend serious environmental advocacy with relatable, human moments that resonate globally.
The visit occurs against the backdrop of recent royal family tensions, following King Charles’s decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles. However, William’s focus remains firmly on his environmental missions, with sources indicating that while he supported the move, the primary decisions were the King’s. This trip symbolizes a shift towards future-oriented leadership, emphasizing William’s commitment to issues like climate change over internal dramas.
As William continues his engagements, including a planned visit to Christ the Redeemer, the impact of his efforts will be closely watched. The Earthshot Prize and COP30 speech are poised to amplify calls for climate action, potentially influencing policy and public awareness. His ability to bridge royal diplomacy with grassroots environmentalism could set a precedent for modern monarchy roles in global challenges.