Prince William begins Brazil visit in Rio, discussing favelas and security before heading to COP30 climate talks in the Amazon
RIO DE JANEIRO: Britain’s Prince William experienced the dramatic contrasts of Rio de Janeiro, from its sweeping beaches to its troubled favelas, as he began a visit focused on protecting the planet.
His arrival came just one week after 121 people were killed in a police raid against a gang in a favela near the international airport.
The future king took a cable car up the famous Sugarloaf Mountain landmark for stunning views of the city.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes presented William with the keys to the city against a backdrop of lush green hills and beaches.
“I’m still the king of Rio, but he’ll be very welcome here, sharing the city’s throne with me during these days,” Paes told journalists.
William’s visit serves as a prelude to his travel to the Amazon rainforest where he will address global leaders at the COP30 United Nations climate talks.
Paes said the prince was amazed with the city’s beauty and they discussed its dramatic landscapes, including favelas clinging to forested hilltops that plunge into the ocean.
“We talked about politics. We talked about the landscape of Rio, he asked a lot about the favelas… the contrast between the favelas and the more affluent areas,” said the mayor.
William’s three-day visit occurs as Rio de Janeiro reels from the horrific October 28 police clash with the Red Command criminal organization.
Favela residents accused police of carrying out summary executions, though significant public support exists for crackdowns on the city’s powerful gangs.
“I tried to explain to him the security issues of the city. Obviously it’s much more deep than something that you can explain in five minutes. But it was a good opportunity to explain,” said Paes.
“I think it helps to show that this is an incredible, wonderful place. And that it’s worth it to keep fighting for Rio.”
William’s first visit to Brazil centers around his annual Earthshot Prize, which awards one million pounds to five pioneering projects tackling environmental threats.
The prince will meet local communities, visit several iconic sites, and celebrate young climate leaders, according to Kensington Palace.
His Earthshot Awards ceremony on Wednesday will feature a star-studded “green carpet” with performances by Brazilian popstar Anitta, Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes and three-time Grammy winner Seu Jorge.
Jason Knauf, the CEO of The Earthshot Prize, told journalists that past winners and finalists had protected and restored over one million hectares of land and ocean.
He added that just one Earthshot project has brought clean water to over 200 million people.
The heir to the British throne will then fly to the Amazon city of Belem, host of the COP30 climate talks, to participate in a meeting of heads of state on Thursday and Friday.
William will deliver a speech on behalf of the British government and his father, King Charles, said a Kensington Palace spokesman.
The prince will also participate in a number of bilateral meetings during his time in Brazil. – AFP
