Prince William, 43, honored his late mother, Princess Diana, during his royal visit to Rio de Janeiro. On the third day of his trip, William visited the Christ the Redeemer statue, echoing Diana’s 1991 visit to the iconic site with then-Prince Charles.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the moment was especially meaningful for the prince:
“The Prince has loved meeting so many people from across Rio over the last few days. He’s been incredibly struck by the number of people who fondly remember his mother’s visit to this beautiful city.”
Engaging With Earthshot Prize Finalists
Ahead of the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, William met with all 15 finalists, discussing their experiences in the year-long Finalist Programme, which provides mentorship, strategic advice, legal support, and international visibility to help accelerate their environmental projects.
The awards, held annually, grant $1.3 million to one winner in each of five categories:
- Protect and Restore Nature
- Clean Our Air
- Revive Our Oceans
- Build a Waste-Free World
- Fix Our Climate
An Action-Packed Trip in Brazil
Prince William’s visit also included playing beach volleyball at Copacabana, kicking a soccer goal at Maracanã Stadium, and planting mangroves as part of environmental conservation initiatives.
During the United for Wildlife Summit on Nov. 4, William received a surprise video message from Leonardo DiCaprio, urging global leaders to unite against environmental crime.
“Nature is our most powerful solution,” DiCaprio said.
William added in his own speech:
“Our task here today is clear: We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction. We must stand alongside those who, every day, are standing up and defending nature. We must recognize and celebrate these protectors, not just in words but through our actions. And we must act together.”
Glamour Meets Purpose
Tonight’s Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will feature performances from Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes, and Brazilian soccer legend Cafú, combining star-studded entertainment with global environmental advocacy.
Prince William’s trip to Brazil highlights his commitment to continuing Princess Diana’s legacy while fostering innovative solutions to climate and environmental challenges worldwide.
