This week, Prince William is on a high-profile official visit to Brazil. He beamed as he visited the celebrity Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro — just like his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, once did. Her visit, which lasts six days, features prominent speaking engagements that underscore the value of local environmental initiatives and the necessity of sustainable development.
Prince William’s entrance into Brazil was greeted with great enthusiasm. City Mayor Eduardo Paes welcomed him with the symbolic keys to the city on Monday. This touching gesture was the beginning of his visit. It was an extraordinary moment that underscored just how important his mission to address the country’s environmental challenges is.
While on his trip, Prince William visited many important places, such as the historic Maracanã Stadium and the breathtakingly beautiful Copacabana Beach. These stops gave him a chance to experience the local scene in each destination while drawing major attention to his sustainability platform.
A Powerful Message at Christ the Redeemer
On day three of his visit, Prince William met with this year’s 2025 Earthshot Prize Finalists. They met under the watchful eye of the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue. The Earthshot Prize aims to support innovative solutions to environmental challenges and inspire global action. This initiative reflects Prince William’s dedication to ensuring a better future for his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit. I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future. But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk. The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow.” – Prince William
He focused on the importance of working together. We need a collaborative approach by governments, businesses and civil society to reverse environmental degradation.
The Earthshot Prize Awards
During his visit Prince William will give a keynote address. He’s due to speak at the next 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards, hosted in Rio de Janeiro at the Museum of Tomorrow. From this group, he is expected to announce five winners of a £1 million award each to scale up their environmental work. This funding is key to the EU playing its part by tackling urgent global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
The ceremony will include performances by some of the biggest acts in music, including Kylie Minogue as well as Canadian singer Shawn Mendes. Their presence enhances the magnitude of this important event and serves to help shine a light on issues that are crucial to our fragile environment.
“We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction.” – Prince William
Prince William’s message speaks to the urgent necessity of coming together in solidarity to take action against those who would destroy our planet. His holistic approach to environmental advocacy has struck a chord with New Orleanians and global leaders alike.
Continuing His Mother’s Legacy
Prince William’s journey is an echo of what his mother, Diana’s journey became. On her visit to Rio de Janeiro in April 1991, she drew worldwide acclaim for posing at the stature of Christ the Redeemer. This connection to his mother’s legacy makes his mission in Brazil all the more significant.
During his time in Rio, he posed for a photograph against the backdrop of the city’s stunning skyline, reminiscent of Diana’s visit over three decades ago. This moment paints a deeply personal picture. It highlights the work that is still being done to address important environmental concerns for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
