Prince William was told that Rio de Janeiro “belongs to him” during his time in the Brazilian city.
The royal stood atop Sugarloaf Mountain as he took in the sights of the city for the first time.
In an honour that is usually only reserved for the carnival king, the future king was handed the keys to the city of Rio.
He was greeted by the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, who spoke afterwards, saying: ”he was very nice, amazed with the beauty of the city, and we are very happy to have him here. It’s big honour for the city.”
Prince William was handed the keys to the city of Rio de Janeiro
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He joked: “So he’s got the keys, he can do whatever he wants in the next 72 hours. The city belongs to Prince William. I’m still the king, but it will belong to him!”
The two chatted about a variety of local politics, the Rio landscape, and the recent police raid on a drug-trafficking ring in Rio.
The mayor said: “I spoke a lot, I try to explain to him the security issue of the city a little bit. I mean, obviously, it’s much more deep than something that you can explain in five minutes, but it was a good opportunity to explain.”
The Prince of Wales also wowed locals as he played a game of football inside the iconic Maracana Stadium. He effortlessly scored a penalty, and local children went crazy.
Mr Paes went on to speak on how important it was to give Prince William the keys to the city, saying: “It’s very symbolic. It shows, first, the connection between Great Britain and Brazil, which is a long relation. And, I mean, it’s like people like him here, so we were very glad to have him.”
Prince William wowed onlookers with his football skills
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PAThis is the fifth year of the Prince’s Earthshot Prize, which he launched in October 2020 alongside national treasure David Attenborough.
Speaking to Hello about his reason for making the prize, William revealed: “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.”
The 43-year-old also announced a new partnership whilst in Brazil. The initiative aims to support indigenous people and environmental defenders in Brazil, which aims to build on the plans that William announced in Cape Town last year.
The Prince of Wales said: “Indigenous Peoples and local communities have long been protectors of the world’s most critical ecosystems.
Prince William has shared that his focus for the Earthshot Prize is making a better world for his children
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PA“But today, their lives are increasingly at risk, and their lands are under mounting threats.
“If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it.
“Building on the success of our ranger support package, we’re extending this with a new partnership to protect and assist Brazil’s frontline defenders.”