Prince William mobbed by fans as he begins first tour of South America but he's without his biggest supporter, Kate
The Prince of Wales says he is working to find solutions to the world's biggest problems so his three children can inherit a better future.
Prince William, 43, is in Brazil for the fifth installation of his landmark climate awards, the Earthshot Prize, but he is without his biggest supporter.
The Princess of Wales has remained at home with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, however, they are the driving force behind Prince William's mission.
The Prince of Wales was presented with the keys to the city by the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes on a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain during day one of his visit to Brazil on Monday. Getty
Prince William arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, marking his first official visit to South America.
It is William's most high-profile outing since his uncle Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was stripped of all his remaining royal titles, including that of prince, booted from the Royal Lodge and erased from the royal family's official website.
There was no sign of any turmoil as Prince William visited some of Rio's best-known landmarks soon after his arrival, taking the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain where he was presented with the keys to the city by its mayor Eduardo Paes.
READ MORE: Princess says 'Sydney was the right choice' in first interview since move to Australia
READ MORE: The unanswered questions that remain despite Andrew being stripped of prince title
READ MORE: Prince Harry announces new solo tour that'll clash with Prince William's
The prince happily posed for selfies when he visited Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio. Getty
"So he's got the keys, he can do whatever he wants in the next 72 hours," Paes said.
"The city belongs to Prince William. I'm still the king, but it will belong to him."
Tourists visiting the famous site were not told of Prince William's arrival and the royal happily posed for selfies during his time there, with large crowds cheering him on.
He later joined schoolchildren taking part in football drills with former Brazilian defender Cafu.
He will also visit the Christ the Redeemer statue and a beach.
Prince William took part in a football drill with school children on Monday. Getty
On Wednesday, local time, Prince William will host his annual Earthshot Prize awards where he will give a speech urging for greater action to save the planet.
The Earthshot Prize honours innovation in environmental protection and 15 finalists are competing for the opportunity to win £1m each in five categories.
Prince William founded the prize in 2020 to find solutions to help repair the plant, with the five winning finalists given the award money to further their ideas.
The event will be held inside Rio's Museum of Tomorrow, with Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes among the performers.
Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen are also involved.
It is the fifth time the awards are being held following its inaugural year in London in 2021 followed by the second round in Boston.
The prince hugs a young fan during a visit to a stadium alongside former Brazilian defender Cafu. Getty
Prince William attended the prize solo in Singapore in 2023 and again in South Africa last year.
On Thursday, the prince will travel on to the Cop30 global climate change summit in Belem in the Amazon. William will attend the event on behalf of King Charles on November 6.
Why Kate has stayed at home
The Princess of Wales has not joined her husband for the Earthshot Prize for the third year in a row.
Last year Kate was recovering from a round of preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis in March.
The Wales' are now living in their new "forever" home, Forest Lodge. Getty
In 2023, the princess stayed at home to help Prince George with his school exams which fell during the same week as the Earthshot Prize.
This year, the Wales' children are again the main reason keeping her in the UK.
Last week they moved into their new home, Forest Lodge, earlier than planned.
It was originally thought the family would settle in the property around Christmas.
The Princess of Wales has remained at home with the couple's three children. AP
Forest Lodge is an eight-bedroom Grade II-listed building and is believed to be nearly 330 years old.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have also returned to Lambrook School this week following a mid-term break.
'I think constantly about the world my children will inherit'
Prior to arriving in Brazil, Prince William spoke to Hello! magazine about his motivations for the Earthshot Prize: his three children.
He said: "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."
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Royals
Prince William and Kate back return to official duties with subtle nod to Prince Harry
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet start school in the UK: reports
Prince Harry source says country’s withdrawal from Invictus Games was a ‘consequence’ of King’s letter
Fresh blow for Prince Harry days after King’s letter clarifying his and Meghan’s royal status
