Prince William in Brazil: A Royal Call for Global Action at the Heart of the Amazon

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 2025
At a decisive moment for our planet, Prince William’s visit to Brazil has captured international attention, uniting leaders, activists, and communities around urgent environmental action. From the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro to the lush depths of the Amazon, the Prince of Wales brought a message of hope, solidarity, and determination, urging the world to seize the opportunity presented by COP30 and the Earthshot Prize to safeguard our future.

A Royal Arrival in the Amazon

Prince William’s journey began in Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon, where he was greeted by crowds, local officials, and indigenous representatives. The Prince’s presence at Brazil’s oldest Amazon museum set the tone for a visit rich in symbolism and substance. As he planted a tree in the museum gardens, he paid tribute to generations of Amazonian stewards and signaled his commitment to conservation.

“We come together today here in the heart of the Amazon at a pivotal moment in human history,” Prince William declared in his opening remarks. “All of us here today understand that we are edging dangerously close to the Earth’s critical tipping points. This here at COP30 is our moment.”

COP30: The World Gathers in Brazil

COP30, hosted by Brazil, marks a turning point in global efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Prince William’s participation brought royal gravitas to proceedings, but his focus was on empowering others—especially the youth and indigenous communities whose futures are most directly at stake.

Throughout COP30, the Prince engaged with environmental leaders, government ministers, corporate CEOs, and grassroots activists. He listened to powerful testimonies from indigenous protectors, whose stewardship has kept deforestation rates in their lands up to 83% lower than in unprotected areas.

United for Wildlife: A Summit of Solutions

In Rio de Janeiro, Prince William led the first United for Wildlife Summit in Latin America, convening experts and advocates to confront the scourge of environmental crime. The Prince highlighted the devastating impact of illegal logging, mining, and trafficking, which fuel violence, corruption, and ecological decline.

“Environmental crime is now one of the most profitable and damaging forms of transnational crime,” he noted. “In the past year alone, over 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared, much of it driven by illicit activity. This crime fuels violence and corruption, distorts legitimate economies, and negatively impacts the livelihoods of millions.”

The summit culminated in a landmark partnership between the Royal Foundation, indigenous organizations, and the Podali Fund—the first indigenous-led fund covering the Brazilian Amazon. This initiative will expand legal aid, establish emergency support for those in danger, and raise awareness of indigenous rights, guided by indigenous leadership and focused on those most at risk.

The Earthshot Prize: Spotlighting Innovation

The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, took center stage in Rio, celebrating groundbreaking solutions to the planet’s greatest environmental challenges. Many of the innovations hailed at the ceremony were born in the Global South, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of communities facing the frontlines of climate change.

“Taken together, all these efforts show us what is possible when courage, creativity, and commitment come together,” the Prince said. “Our task here today is clear. We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction. We must stand alongside those who every day are defending nature.”

Engaging with Youth: The Next Generation of Leaders

A highlight of Prince William’s visit was his interaction with young climate leaders from around the world. At roundtable discussions and workshops, he listened to their ambitions, frustrations, and hopes.

“You guys are going to produce solutions that we’re all going to live with and in a better world,” he told them. “My hope is that the environmental space becomes more holistic, more connected, slicker, easier to navigate. At the moment, it’s still very patchy and fragmented. If we really want to have proper change, that has to change.”

The Prince encouraged youth to channel their anger and frustration into positive action, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and global impact. “What I don’t want to do is tell all of you what needs to be done. I want you to tell me what needs to be done.”

Indigenous Voices: Protectors Under Threat

Throughout his visit, Prince William emphasized the vital role of indigenous peoples in protecting the Amazon and other critical ecosystems. Yet, he acknowledged the grave dangers they face.

“Latin America recorded 120 environmental protectors killed or disappeared in 2024, accounting for over 80% of all such cases worldwide,” he said. “These are not just statistics. These are lives. These are people taking enormous risks to protect the land and the future we all depend on.”

The new partnership announced in Rio aims to provide legal, financial, and emergency support for indigenous protectors, especially women and those in isolated or border communities.

On the Ground: From Football Fields to Forests

Prince William’s itinerary included visits to local football schools, community projects, and restoration sites. He met with children learning teamwork and discipline through sport, teachers committed to weekly classes, and coaches scouting for future talent.

“I’m here to scout for the future. My team’s Aston Villa,” he joked, forging connections with young Brazilians and sharing his passion for football.

He also toured reforested areas once used for coffee plantations, marveling at the foresight of leaders who restored these lands in the 1800s. “Today, we enjoy this gift here,” he said, encouraging commercial models that fuel conservation and prosperity.

Innovation and Optimism: Restoring Forests and Building Networks

Prince William spoke with entrepreneurs restoring tropical forests, building startups, and developing new sectors in environmental technology. He stressed the importance of visibility, commercial viability, and the power of networks.

“Give the right people the right tools and resources, they flourish and the impact they can have is truly phenomenal,” he remarked.

Facing Challenges and Building Partnerships

Despite the optimism, Prince William acknowledged the challenges ahead: industrial pollution, water access, fragmented systems, and the need for greater cooperation.

“We must act together. Governments, businesses, and civil society each must now step up and play their role in developing solutions, scaling support, and shifting resources to where they are needed most.”

He praised the resilience of communities and the momentum of global initiatives, urging everyone to carry their determination forward as COP30 approached.

The Power of Symbolism: Planting Seeds for the Future

The Prince’s tree planting ceremony in Manaus was more than a gesture—it was a pledge to future generations. “The tree you plant today may one day shelter generations to come,” he said.

He marveled at the resilience of Amazonian species, their ability to recover, and the importance of nurturing them. “Let them grow well. Next time I come, all this is mangroves.”

A Royal Legacy: Empowerment and Hope

Asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Prince William was clear: “Emboldening and empowering you guys to secure our futures. That’s really what this is about. You guys will be the solution makers.”

He hopes the Earthshot Prize and other initiatives will scale solutions, build networks, and make environmental action more accessible and effective.

“My hope is that in a few years’ time, you’re all household names around the world and everyone’s going, ‘My god, what an amazing person. How do they think about that? How do they build that? Look what they’ve done for us.’ That’s what I hope the legacy will be.”

Celebrating Courage, Creativity, and Commitment

As Prince William’s visit drew to a close, he reflected on the courage and creativity he witnessed. “All these efforts show us what is possible when courage, creativity, and commitment come together.”

He called for bold ambition and unwavering commitment, reminding everyone that the future belongs not to us, but to our children and grandchildren.

Conclusion: United for a Safer, Healthier World

Prince William’s historic visit to Brazil was a rallying cry for global action, a celebration of innovation, and a tribute to the protectors of nature. As the world gathers for COP30 in the Amazon, his message resonates:

“Let us not waste this moment. Our children and grandchildren are watching and hoping. We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction. We must stand alongside those who every day are defending nature. We must recognize and celebrate these protectors, not just in words, but through our actions. And we must act together.”

With new partnerships, bold initiatives, and a renewed sense of purpose, Prince William’s journey in Brazil has planted seeds of hope for a safer, healthier, and more united world.