Prince William Awed by Rio’s Beauty and Inequalities on Climate-Focused Visit

Prince William visits Rio to spotlight climate action and local challenges

Britain’s Prince William began a three-day visit to Rio de Janeiro on Monday, taking in the city’s dramatic contrasts—from broad sandy beaches and lush hills to densely populated favelas—while promoting ideas to protect the planet.

Key moments

The heir to the throne rode a cable car up the iconic Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and received the keys to the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes against a sweeping backdrop of coastline and greenery. He arrived just a week after a police operation near Rio’s international airport left 121 people dead, a recent event that has left the city shaken and highlighted deep security and social challenges.

"I'm still the king of Rio, but he'll be very welcome here, sharing the city's throne with me during these days,"

Paes told reporters as he escorted William around the landmark.

Security, inequality and the landscape

Mayor Paes said the prince was "amazed with the beauty of the city" and that their conversations ranged from Rio’s dramatic geography to its entrenched social divides. "We talked about politics. We talked about the landscape of Rio, he asked a lot about the favelas... the contrast between the favelas and the more affluent areas," Paes said.

The mayor acknowledged the complexity of the city’s security problems following a violent clash on October 28 between police and the Red Command criminal organization. Residents of affected favelas accused officers of summary executions, while many in the public support tougher action against powerful gangs. "I tried to explain to him the security issues of the city. Obviously it's much more deep than something that you can explain in five minutes. But it was a good opportunity to explain," Paes added.

Earthshot Prize and COP30

William’s visit centers on his Earthshot Prize initiative, which awards one million pounds (about $1.3 million) each year to five pioneering environmental projects. Kensington Palace said the prince will meet local communities, visit landmark sites and celebrate young climate leaders during the trip.

The Earthshot Awards ceremony on Wednesday is expected to be high-profile, with performers including Brazilian pop star Anitta, Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes and three-time Grammy winner Seu Jorge appearing on the "green carpet." Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, told journalists that past winners and finalists have "protected and restored over one million hectares of land and ocean, and just one has brought clean water to over 200 million people."

After Rio, William will fly to the Amazon city of Belém, host of the COP30 United Nations climate talks, where he is due to address global leaders and participate in heads-of-state meetings. Kensington Palace said he will deliver a speech on behalf of the British government and, by extension, his father, King Charles, and will hold a number of bilateral meetings.

Context: The trip combines diplomatic engagement on climate policy with a high-profile showcase of environmental initiatives, set against the reality of Rio’s urgent social and security challenges.