The famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro will be illuminated in green to honor Prince William’s Earthshot Awards this week. The Prince of Wales has arrived in Brazil for a three-day event celebrating the nominees and winners of his esteemed environmental initiative, marking its first appearance in Latin America.
The Earthshot Prize will conclude with a grand ceremony on Wednesday at Rio’s innovative Museum of Tomorrow, where five winners will each receive £1 million to promote their initiatives for saving the planet. Following recent challenges faced by the royal family, including Prince Andrew’s alleged involvement in a sex abuse scandal, Prince William aims to redirect attention to his Brazil tour, culminating with a visit to the COP climate summit in Belem, known as ‘the gateway to the Amazon.’
Earthshot, conceptualized by William in 2020, draws inspiration from U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “Moonshot” speech, with a mission to hasten environmental innovation to combat issues like climate change, plastic pollution, and wildlife habitat loss by 2030.
Handpicked from nearly 2,500 nominees across 72 nations, the 2025 finalists exemplify exceptional climate leadership. The upcoming ceremony is anticipated to reach a vast audience of 34 million viewers in Brazil and the UK through broadcasts on BBC and Globo, marking the most extensive coverage in the prize’s history.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the visit, the Prince of Wales stated, “As I embark on my journey to Rio de Janeiro, I look forward to immersing myself in Brazil’s rich culture, remarkable biodiversity, and most importantly, the warmth of its people. This week, as all eyes focus on Brazil, we celebrate bold climate leadership. Hosting The Earthshot Prize not only acknowledges change drivers but also serves as a well of inspiration. By joining forces with optimism and bravery, a sustainable future becomes attainable.”
Prince William is scheduled to pay a visit to the renowned Christ the Redeemer statue on Wednesday as part of his itinerary. Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, remarked on the global network of climate leaders established in just five years, emphasizing the importance of supporting existing solutions to major challenges.
Simultaneously, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have relocated to their permanent residence, Forest Lodge, with their children, transitioning from Adelaide Cottage to the Grade II-listed mansion in Windsor Great Park. The move coincided with the half-term break for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, aligning with the family’s goal of settling in by Bonfire Night.
This move signifies a new chapter for the family following Kate’s recovery from illness and precedes William’s upcoming journey to Rio for the annual Earthshot Prize Awards. Despite the proximity to William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who resides in Royal Lodge within Windsor Great Park, the Wales family sees this relocation as a fresh beginning.
