Prince William receives keys to Rio during landmark Brazil visit

Prince William receives keys to Rio during landmark Brazil visit

Prince William was presented with the symbolic keys to Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday as he began a five-day visit to Brazil, marking his first official trip to the country. The ceremony took place atop Sugarloaf Mountain, where Mayor Eduardo Paes formally handed over the honor while tourists looked on in surprise.

Environmental mission at the forefront

The visit centers on two major environmental initiatives. On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales will present the Earthshot Prize, an annual £1 million award established by his charity to fund climate-repair projects. The following day, he travels to Belém in the Amazon rainforest to deliver a speech at COP30, the UN's annual climate summit.

This year's Earthshot Prize shortlist includes innovative projects such as an upcycled skyscraper in Sydney, a Bristol-based microplastic filter, and Barbados' island-wide sustainability efforts. In announcing the nominees, Prince William called them "heroes of our time," urging global support for their work to create "a cleaner, safer world for future generations."

"The people behind these projects are heroes of our time, so let us back them. Because, if we do, we can make the world cleaner, safer and full of opportunity-not only for future generations, but for the lives we want to lead now."

Prince William

Diplomatic significance amid royal family tensions

The trip represents Prince William's most high-profile solo engagement since the recent controversy surrounding his uncle, Prince Andrew. While speculation suggested William influenced King Charles' decision to strip Andrew of his remaining titles, insiders clarify that the move was made independently by the King and his advisers.

Football and beach volleyball: A royal sporting tour

Beyond environmental diplomacy, the prince embraced Brazil's sporting culture. At Rio's iconic Maracanã Stadium, he met football legend Cafu, who gifted him a signed Brazil jersey. William participated in training drills with local children, including a balance exercise involving cups of water, before scoring a penalty past 14-year-old goalkeeper Pedro Enrique.

Later, he joined Brazil's beach volleyball star Carolina Solberg for a match on Copacabana Beach, further blending diplomacy with the nation's passion for sports.

Mayor's playful welcome

After the key ceremony, Mayor Paes joked about the symbolic gesture: "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!" Paes added that the prince was "amazed with the beauty of the city."

What's next

Prince William's itinerary includes the Earthshot Prize ceremony (Wednesday) and his COP30 address (Thursday), alongside cultural engagements. The visit underscores his growing role in environmental advocacy and royal diplomacy.