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.
