The Prince of Wales prepares for Rio visit amid deadly police raids that have left over 130 people dead
Prince William has released a heartfelt video ahead of his visit to Rio de Janeiro after receiving distressing news from Brazil, where more than a hundred people have died during violent police operations.
According to reports, at least 132 people were killed, including four officers, as 2,500 armed police carried out anti-gang raids in the city. Streets were reportedly set ablaze, with dozens of bodies seen being loaded into vehicles.
Despite the tragic scenes, the Prince of Wales is set to arrive in Rio this week for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, where he will present five £1 million awards to pioneering environmental projects. The event aims to promote global solutions to climate and sustainability challenges.
In a video shared on the official account he runs with Catherine, William spoke passionately about protecting nature. “To create a thriving planet for all, we must reverse biodiversity loss by halting damage and restoring natural habitats,” the message read. “That’s what the Earthshot Prize to Protect & Restore Nature is all about.”
The ceremony’s prize council includes Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen and naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Earthshot CEO Jason Knauf called the Rio event “a call to urgent optimism,” adding that the initiative “unites bold climate leaders and communities to spark real action.”
Following the ceremony, William will travel to Belem for the COP30 summit, joining world leaders including Sir Keir Starmer to discuss global responses to climate change.
Catherine, however, will not accompany her husband to Brazil. She will stay in Britain to oversee their family’s move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge. The Princess of Wales previously attended the Earthshot events in London and Boston but missed the recent ceremonies due to family and health commitments.
