‘I’m in Brazil with Prince William – and one key thing has stood out’ | Royal | News

Prince William started his week in Brazil by playing volleyball on one of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches, training with football royalty and taking in panoramic views of the city. The prince, who was welcomed to the seaside city at Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, showed off his footwork by visiting the Maracana Stadium, one of football’s most famous arenas.

He joined Brazilian football legend Cafu for a three-way match with some local school children. William ended football training by scoring a penalty against 14-year-old goalkeeper Pedro Enrique and was mobbed by teenagers who wanted to give him a high-five after he scored.

The prince finished his first day in Rio at the world-famous Copacabana Beach.

As the sun began to set, William took off his shoes and socks and joined a volleyball match with Brazilian Olympian Carolina Solberg and other locals. He told his opposition: “Hello guys, be nice.”

They played for almost 10 minutes, the prince jumping into the air and doing several somersaults on the sand trying to save the ball.

William changed positions as he showed off his sporting prowess, with scores of well-wishers cheering him on when he got stuck and telling his teammates that his height helped.

When someone tried to distract him from the game, he joked: “We’ll be here all night, guys, talk among yourselves.” She ended the day by taking selfies and chatting with the cheerleaders lined up on the beach.

Although William’s estranged brother tried to hijack the day by announcing a two-day trip to Toronto as soon as he arrived in Brazil, the heir to the throne was clearly delighted to be in Latin America.

He was happy, relaxed and completely engaged at every appointment; even though he had only arrived in Rio early that morning. Chatting with Cafu, he looked like an excited kid meeting his idols, who couldn’t stop staring at his famous feet.

He was happy to pose on the field for countless photos, hugs and high-fives, as the youngsters were overwhelmed that he took the time to visit them.

But it wasn’t until the beach that William truly came into his own.

The sporty Prince had an obvious talent for volleyball and threw himself into the field while helping his teammates score points.

He loved the game so much that he resisted calls to leave.

William’s first day in Brazil was a huge success, not only from a public relations perspective but also from a personal perspective.

A royal source echoed the popular quote that the Palace is “delightful”, adding: “He really loves being here.”

And don’t just take my word for it, look at the hundreds of photos of the prince smiling and beaming in the bright sunlight.

Earthshot, the reason for the trip to Brazil, is William’s passion project, and it’s clear that traveling the world to showcase the environmental prize drives him.

This isn’t just work, it’s something he cares deeply about – and it’s clear to everyone to see William brighten at the mention of the environment.