Prince William has spoken of the need for people to “work together with optimism and courage” on the environment as he heads for Brazil, hoping to leave behind the problems of his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
William will arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to mark the fifth year of his Earthshot Prize awards, arguably the most important week of his year, with him and his team hoping it isn’t derailed by any further revelations around his uncle Andrew.
In the coming days, he will visit some of Rio’s most iconic sights before attending the Earthshot Awards on Wednesday evening at the Museum of Tomorrow.
On Thursday, he will then travel on to Belem for the UN’s climate conference COP30, where he will deliver a landmark speech on behalf of the King and the UK government.
Before starting his journey to Rio, William wrote: “With the world’s eyes turning to Brazil this week, there is no better place to celebrate bold climate leadership.
“Hosting The Earthshot Prize allows us to not only recognise those driving change, but to be inspired by them. When we work together with optimism and courage, a more sustainable future is within our reach.”
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Rio, as the location of his latest overseas tour, couldn’t be more eye-catching, and may be exactly what the Royal Family need after a particularly tumultuous few weeks.
Families mourn dozens killed during Rio de Janeiro’s ‘biggest’ raid against drugs gang
At least 64 killed as Rio police target drug gang in deadliest-ever raid ahead of COP30
Renowned ‘sponge city’ architect Kongjian Yu dies in Brazil plane crash
US President Donald Trump weighed in on the removal of Andrew’s titles on Sunday, telling reporters on Air Force One that “it’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family, that’s been a tragic situation and it’s too bad”.
Read more:
What do people in Sandringham think of Andrew moving there?
Email exchange between Andrew and Epstein released
Analysis: Removal of Andrew’s titles is seismic
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
One person who it seems will be following William’s work closely this week will be his father. We’re told the King and his heir have had several discussions ahead of the visit, talking particularly about the speech he will give at COP30.
Historically, the King has delivered several keynote speeches at the UN climate conference as part of his lifelong commitment to environmental issues.
After many questions about how heavily involved Prince William has been in the actions taken against his uncle Andrew, it will be William’s global leadership on the climate crisis that his team are hoping to emphasise this week.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
It will be the first time the Earthshot awards have taken place so close to, and in the same country as, the COP summit.
Jason Knauf, the awards chief executive, told Sky News: “Earthshot events are, you know, Prince William’s favourite kind of moment of the year. And he works really, really hard to make sure that all of our finalists feel supported, that we get the most out of the incredible network that he’s built, and that we reach as many people as possible.
“So, you know, this is what he does best. It’s going to be a great week. So we’re just delighted to be here.”
There is no doubt that the climate crisis is the most consequential of global issues. But can what William says or does drag attention away from what has been a monumental royal scandal? We wait to see over the coming days.
