Planting trees and cuddling babies: William visits Brazilian island

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has embarked on a significant five-day visit to Brazil, blending royal diplomacy with environmental advocacy. The visit, which began on Monday, has already seen the future king engage in a series of high-profile activities, from receiving an honor from Rio de Janeiro’s mayor to participating in training drills with children at the iconic Maracana Stadium. However, the heart of his mission lies in his environmental initiatives, particularly the presentation of the Earthshot Prize and his upcoming speech at the COP30 climate summit. On Tuesday, Prince William took a 50-minute ferry ride to Paqueta, a car-free island where bicycles are the primary mode of transport. There, he interacted with locals, cuddled a baby, and planted new trees in the mangrove area, highlighting the island’s commitment to environmental protection. The visit was declared a ‘Day of the Prince,’ with children given time off school to meet him, armed with colorful drawings as gifts. The prince’s engagement with the community was warmly received, with residents expressing their admiration for his humility and dedication to environmental causes. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, one of the ‘Guardians of the Mangroves,’ praised the prince for his hands-on approach, stating, ‘The most important thing for me is his humility.’ Prince William’s visit to Brazil marks a pivotal moment in his environmental advocacy, as he prepares to conclude his trip with a significant appearance at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest. This visit not only underscores his commitment to the Earthshot Prize but also positions him as a key figure in the global fight against climate change.