Britain's Prince William took in the dramatic contrasts of Rio de Janeiro, from sweeping beaches to the troubled favelas, as he kicked off a visit Monday focused on ideas to protect the planet.

Arriving just a week after 121 people were killed in a police raid against a gang in a favela near the international airport, the future king took a cable car up the famous Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf mountain) landmark.

William was handed the keys to the city by Mayor Eduardo Paes against a stunning backdrop of lush green hills and beaches.

"I'm still the king of Rio, but he'll be very welcome here, sharing the city's throne with me during these days," Paes told journalists.

William's visit comes before he flies to the Amazon rainforest to address global leaders at COP30 UN climate talks.

Paes sa

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