**Prince William Launches Earthshot Prize in Brazil**

Prince William has embarked on a significant trip to Brazil, marking the first time his Earthshot Prize awards are being held in Latin America. The Prince of Wales began his three-day visit in Rio de Janeiro, where he was greeted with smiles and waves as he visited the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. This event comes during a challenging time for the royal family, as they navigate the ongoing allegations surrounding Prince Andrew.

William aims to shift the focus from family controversies to his environmental initiatives. He is set to conclude his trip with a visit to the COP climate summit in Belém, described as the gateway to the Amazon. During his ascent of Sugarloaf Mountain, he was shown a panoramic view of the city by Rio's Mayor, Eduardo Paes, who presented him with the keys to the city.

The Prince has expressed that his three children inspire his commitment to addressing climate change. He stated, "As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit. I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future." He emphasised the importance of taking bold action now to secure a better future for the next generation.

Launched in 2020, the Earthshot Prize awards five £1 million prizes annually to innovators tackling significant environmental challenges. This year’s awards are part of a decade-long initiative, with previous ceremonies held in London, Singapore, Boston, and Cape Town. William remarked, "The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow."

He elaborated on the ethos of the project, stating, "Urgent optimism is the heartbeat of The Earthshot Prize. It's the belief that although the challenges we face are immense, the solutions are within reach and we must act with speed and conviction to bring them to life."

William expressed his excitement about visiting Brazil, highlighting its natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. He noted, "This region is home to some of the world’s most vital ecosystems and some of its most passionate environmental defenders. By hosting the prize in Brazil, we're shining a light on the solutions emerging from this part of the world and drawing global attention to the urgency and opportunity of climate action."

The week will see Rio transformed into Earthshot City, culminating in a three-day Earthshot Summit and an awards ceremony at the Museum of Tomorrow. The event will feature Brazilian World Cup-winning footballer Cafu and TV star Luciano Huck as presenters, alongside support from Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel and other notable figures. The initiative aims to celebrate and promote environmental innovation on a global scale, reinforcing the importance of collective action in the face of climate challenges.