Prince William Engages with Earthshot Prize Finalists in Rio: A Day of Environmental Innovation and Inspiration
Prince William began his day in Rio with a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, where he met the deputy Mayor of Rio and his wife, as well as the wife of the mayor. Among the welcoming party was a 2-month-old baby named Maria Beatriz, whom William greeted warmly. He then spent time with the 2025 Earthshot Prize finalists at the landmark, engaging with them and learning about their projects. The Earthshot Prize finalists participate in a year-long program that provides mentorship, visibility, and support to accelerate their environmental initiatives. One of the finalists, Thiago Picolo from Brazil's Re.Green, expressed excitement about Prince William's recognition and the opportunity to connect with the Earthshot community.
Runa Khan, founder of Friendship in Bangladesh, shared her appreciation for the Earthshot Prize's recognition of their work in helping climate-displaced communities. Friendship, known for its healthcare and education initiatives, sees Prince William as a facilitator in expanding their impact globally. Former winner Pierre Paslier from Notpla, a company creating sustainable packaging materials, highlighted Prince William's interest in seaweed as a positive influence on raising awareness about eco-friendly solutions. The Earthshot Prize ceremony will announce winners in categories like Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, and Fix Our Climate, with a $1.3 million prize awarded to each winner annually.
Prince William's visit to Brazil also included engaging in local activities like playing beach volleyball at Copacabana Beach, scoring a soccer goal at Maracanã Stadium, and planting mangroves. The ceremony will feature guests like Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes, and Brazilian soccer star Cafú. The Earthshot Prize aims to support innovative environmental solutions and recognize individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the planet.