Prince William has chosen not to comment publicly on the current difficulties facing the Royal Family, instead highlighting his desire to surround himself with people “who want to do good”.
During a relaxed “fireside chat” with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on his Earthshot Prize trip to Brazil, the Prince of Wales declined to address the controversies involving his uncle, the Duke of York, or his strained relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Ms Amanpour referenced William’s recent remarks about seeking “change for good” when he eventually becomes king and asked whether he could expand further, given the recent changes within the Royal Family.
William, however, gently redirected the conversation to Earthshot, praising “the brilliant people in this room” and describing them as “action heroes”. He added that meaningful change comes from supporting their work rather than focusing on himself.
To applause, he said: “I want to surround myself with people who want to make change and do good in the world.”
Royal commentators pointed out that William consistently avoids discussing private family matters in public, choosing instead to focus on his official work and long-term environmental commitments.
Focus on positivity and the next generation
During the discussion, William spoke about maintaining optimism for his children and for young people globally.
“You have to provide leadership and a vision that there are good things to come,” he said. “For my children, knowing that the planet will be in a better state because of the people in this room is something I love to tell them when they go to bed.”
He added: “A world without hope and positivity is a pretty depressing place.”
Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro
William’s comments came ahead of the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, marking the initiative’s fifth anniversary. The event brought together government leaders, environmental advocates, indigenous representatives, youth activists, and global performers including Shawn Mendes and Kylie Minogue.
The Prince of Wales attended several engagements throughout the summit, including the Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly, which showcased investments and efforts helping finalists expand their environmental solutions.
Kylie Minogue, wearing a Stella McCartney “rewear”, praised the prize as “amazing people doing incredible things”. Mendes also expressed appreciation after meeting William earlier in the day.
Winners of the 2025 Earthshot Prize
This year’s winners included:
-
Re.green – Protect and Restore Nature, recognised for its work restoring Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
-
The High Seas Treaty (High Seas Alliance) – Revive Our Oceans, celebrated for advancing global ocean protection.
-
Lagos Fashion Week – Build a Waste-Free World, honoured for its sustainability-focused fashion initiatives.
-
Friendship – Fix Our Climate, awarded for climate resilience work.
-
City of Bogotá – Clean Our Air, recognised for reducing air pollution by 24%.
William emphasised the urgency of environmental progress:
“I understand that some might feel discouraged in these uncertain times… but this is no time for complacency.”
High-profile attendees and warm reception
The ceremony welcomed figures such as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva.
William arrived in a Tom Ford black-tie suit, rewearing it in line with Earthshot’s sustainability ethos. He was greeted by samba dancers and carnival performers, and participated in cultural traditions, including receiving and kissing the flag of the Beja-Flor Samba School.
Throughout the evening, he met with young environmental leaders, performers, and global figures supporting the initiative.