Key Highlights
- Prince William visits Brazil to celebrate the 2025 Earthshot Prize awards.
- The Prince of Wales spends his second day in Brazil exploring local environmental causes and interacting with locals on Paquetá Island.
- William picks up a 10-year-old baby boy, Joaquin, during an unannounced visit to the island.
- Prince William engages in soccer discussion with a Brazilian child.
The Prince of Wales’ Unveiled Visit to Brazil: Celebrating Environmental Causes and Engaging Locals
On November 4, 2025, the Prince of Wales embarked on his second day in Brazil, marking a significant part of his official visit that aims to celebrate environmental causes. His journey took him to the island of Paquetá, located within Guanabara Bay, where he delved into discussions and interactions with local communities.
Exploring Local Environmental Causes
William’s exploration began with a Brazilian naval boat ride to the island, which is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). Here, the Prince met representatives who oversee the mangrove biome, an essential ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal life in coastal areas. This visit highlighted his commitment to understanding and supporting local environmental initiatives.
A Royal Walkabout
During a walkabout, William interacted with approximately 350 people on Paquetá Island, representing about one-tenth of the island’s population. His unannounced arrival quickly spread through the community, leading to spontaneous interactions and memorable moments.
The prince’s visit was marked by genuine engagement; he stopped for selfies, consoled a woman who had an injured hand, and chatted with locals. At one point, William surprised everyone by picking up a 10-year-old boy named Joaquin, much to the delight of his grandmother, Cristina.
Andre Luis Junior, a teacher and cousin of Joaquin, shared, “Nobody asked him—he just picked him up! It’s probably because he has three kids. He loves kids.”
Local Impact and Royalty’s Role
The visit to Paquetá Island was not only about environmental causes but also about strengthening local communities. Andre Luis Junior expressed the joy of having a royal visitor: “It’s amazing. We are so happy, so happy he chose this very small island.
We’re very unique in the heart of Rio. Very quiet. We love that he chose to come here.
The kids in school were so excited today.”
William’s visit also included receiving two paintings from Manuel Gomes de Castro and his son Alan, symbolizing the connection between the U.K. and Brazil. These gifts reflected the island’s pride and the importance of cultural exchanges.
Engaging with Local Youth
Beyond the environmental discussions, William engaged in a soccer conversation with Lucas McGeogh, an Edinburgh-born boy whose parents are from Scotland and São Paulo respectively. The prince asked if Lucas knew Aston Villa, showcasing his interest in both local culture and global sports.
Earthshot Prize Awards
The Prince of Wales’ visit to Brazil culminates on November 5, 2025, with the Earthshot Prize awards held at Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow. The event will see William join celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, as well as Brazilian soccer star Cafú, to celebrate the latest winners of his five prizes. These prizes reward innovative and groundbreaking ideas aimed at tackling global environmental challenges.
William’s visit underscores his dedication to fostering international collaboration on critical environmental issues, highlighting the role of both global leaders and local communities in driving positive change.
