Prince William has discovered a unique connection to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, during the final day of his trip to Brazil.
The Prince of Wales learned that one of the Brazilians in the team protecting him had a historical link to the late Queen.
Andre Benjamin Ferraz was one of the team of protection officers ensuring William’s safety as the royal moved through Rio and the surrounding area.
By chance, his grandfather, Otacílio de Souza Ferraz, protected the late Queen on her visit to Recife in the North East of Brazil, 57 years ago.
The Prince of Wales learned of a unique connection to his grandmother
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GETTY
Otacilio de Souze Ferraz was a military policeman from Recife and was called upon as part of the security team, looking after the Queen and the late Prince Philip.
The discovery came as the Prince of Wales drew his landmark visit to Brazil to a close with a deeply symbolic meeting with indigenous leaders at the historic Museu Emilio Goeldi in Belem, known as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.
Aides said William was overjoyed to learn of the incredible link, saying he “loved it”.
William was greeted by Joenia Wapichana, the former politician and now President of Brazil’s National Association for Indigenous Peoples.
The Prince of Wales spoke to indigenous leaders
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PA
She took him on a short walk throughout the tropical gardens to the sumauma tree, one of the oldest in the park.
The group discussed the importance of protecting the critical ecosystems, using both traditional methods and modern tools to look after territories and promoting sustainable solutions.
The Museu Emilio Goeldi is the oldest museum in the Amazon, being founded in 1866.
It is renowned for its research into the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
William said he ‘loved’ the connection
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PA
While en route to the museum, William was mobbed by crowds as he embarked on the final engagement before journeying home to the UK.
Locals lined the streets chanting “William” as he made his way from his hotel to the museum.
The Prince of Wales stopped his convoy to step out for an impromptu walkabout, shaking hands and posing for selfies.
The 43-year-old appeared relaxed as he greeted the crowd before journeying on.
Locals lined the streets chanting ‘William’
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PAThe father of three will return to his family, who have completed their move to their “forever home” in Forest Lodge.
Princess Kate has been “kitting out Forest Lodge” as the Princess of Wales settles into her “forever home” with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
A keen interior designer, it is understood Kate has dressed up her new eight-bedroom home with opulent decor from Marina Mill, a company specialised in hand designing and screen printing fabrics which cost north of £100 a metre.
The Princess of Wales visited the mill in September, with it previously supplying dozens of royal homes, including Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.