The Prince of Wales takes the lead on climate action following a
successful Earthshot Prize ceremony
Prince William has landed in Belém, Brazil, to continue his environmental
efforts on the world stage, marking his first solo appearance at a COP climate
summit without King Charles.
The Prince of Wales touched down on Thursday morning, November 6, after
travelling from Rio de Janeiro aboard the Prime Minister’s Government jet
alongside Sir Keir Starmer, according to The Daily Express UK. The two made
the 2,000-mile journey to attend COP30, the United Nations’ annual climate
conference, where William is set to deliver a keynote speech to global
leaders.
This will be the royal’s first time representing the Crown at an overseas COP
event. While William attended COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, it was his father who
delivered the main address that year. King Charles, a long-time environmental
advocate, chose to remain in the UK this time for Remembrance events but fully
supported his son’s participation, believing there was no need for both to
make separate long-haul trips.
Earlier in the week, William hosted the 5th annual Earthshot Prize Awards in
Rio de Janeiro, where he spoke passionately about the urgent need for climate
action. “The choices we make during this decade will define us,” he told more
than a thousand guests gathered at the Museum of Tomorrow. “Their work is the
proof we need that progress is possible. It’s no exaggeration to say that they
are the world’s true action heroes.”
With the Earthshot celebrations behind him, William now turns his focus to
COP30 — a summit he has anticipated since attending last month’s Countdown to
COP30 event at London’s Natural History Museum with King Charles.
The Prince’s presence in Belém underscores his growing leadership in global
climate discussions and his determination to build on the legacy of his
father’s lifelong environmental work.
