Prince William will become an Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro following his visit to Brazil last week, the city’s authorities have confirmed.
The initiative is being led by Rio City Council President Carlo Caiado and Mayor Eduardo Paes.
The proposal has been co-signed by the Council’s Executive Board, along with the Committees on Constitution and Justice, and on Education.
Prince William, heir to the throne, spent five days in Brazil to attend the Earthshot Prize awards and participate in the Cop30 climate summit preparations in Belém.
Mr Caiado praised William’s engagement with environmental work and his conduct during the visit.
He said the future king had shown a meaningful commitment to humanitarian and ecological issues and deserves to become an “honorary carioca” – a native of Rio de Janeiro.
He said: “Prince William truly deserves to become an honorary carioca. His recent visit to our city was remarkable and already missed by many.
“He has shown genuine commitment to humanitarian and environmental causes, as we can see during the Cop30 in Belém.
Prince William declared ‘honorary citizen of Rio’ in major honour after winning over Brazil
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“He deserves all the recognition. The mayor said the prince should become a carioca and we embraced the idea.”
The Prince of Wales visited several well-known landmarks in the city, including Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracanã Stadium.
William was photographed speaking with residents and workers at the sites, with local media noting the relaxed tone of his encounters.
His visit also included time in Rio de Janeiro discussing environmental collaboration linked to the Earthshot Prize, which supports solutions to climate challenges.
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Prince William appeared to thoroughly enjoy his trip abroad
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The initiative was founded by William through the Royal Foundation, and its latest award ceremony took place during his time in Brazil.
He then travelled to Belém in the days leading up to Cop30, which begins today, where he met business leaders, climate researchers and indigenous representatives as part of pre-summit discussions.
During public remarks there, he highlighted the role of indigenous communities in protecting rainforest regions.
“Every family goes through difficult times and faces challenges together. How you deal with those moments makes all the difference,” he said during one segment of the broadcast interview in Brazil.
The Prince of Wales (right) speaks with Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, during a ‘Welcome to Rio’ event at Sugarloaf Mountain, in Rio de Janeiro
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He also spoke about discussing Princess Kate’s health with their children.
The Prince’s visit to Brazil drew significant public and political interest, particularly due to the global focus on environmental policy and the country’s role in climate negotiations.
Details of the presentation ceremony have not yet been announced, with the date to be confirmed by city authorities.