In a recent conversation with CNN, Prince William tactfully sidestepped addressing the current challenges facing the Royal Family. Instead, he emphasized his aspiration to be surrounded by individuals committed to positive change. During this ‘fireside’ chat, part of his Earthshot Prize visit to Brazil, the Prince of Wales avoided commenting on controversies linked to his uncle Andrew or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour pressed him on his previous remarks about seeking ‘change for good’ upon ascending the throne.

Amanpour referenced William’s earlier Apple TV interview with Eugene Levy, seeking clarity on his stance amid the family’s recent transformations. However, the Prince adeptly deflected from discussing the removal of Andrew’s titles and residence, or the ongoing tensions with Harry and Meghan. Instead, he shifted the focus to the Earthshot initiative, commending the ‘brilliant people in this room’ and labeling them as ‘action heroes’. He asserted that true change stems from supporting such initiatives, rather than his own actions. To enthusiastic applause, William added, “I want to surround myself with people who want to make change and do good in the world.”

Observers of the Royal Family have lauded William’s choice to maintain discretion. One commentator noted, “Unlike Harry, William doesn’t air the family laundry in public.” The Prince made these remarks while gearing up for the Earthshot awards ceremony, which drew the likes of Shawn Mendes and Kylie Minogue in support. During his conversation with Amanpour, William expressed optimism for his children and the youth globally, underscoring his commitment to a hopeful future.

He said: ‘You have to provide a leadership and a vision that there’s good things to come and it’s not all negative. And for my children, particularly, knowing that the planet’s going to be in a better, healthier state because of the people in this room is something I love to tell them when they go to bed – it’s going to be great, your future is going to be as bright as futures gone by and that’s a really important message for all us to hear.’ He added: ‘A world without hope and a world without positivity is a pretty depressing place.’ 

Hours later the stars were out on the green carpet on Wednesday night at Prince William’s glittering Earthshot Prize Awards. It came as Prince Harry denied deliberately trying to overshadow Prince William by revealing his own pseudo-royal visit to Canada just as his older brother landed in Brazil for his five-day Earthshot Prize tour. The clash was labelled ‘predictable’ by one royal expert but the Duke of Sussex’s spokesman knocked back any suggestion his announcement was about sibling rivalry.

In a statement Harry’s team blamed the timing on the fact he is ‘not afforded the same level of security and protection as other working members of the Royal Family’. ‘It means therefore, that the period of time in which we can release details of events is much more truncated than it is for His Majesty the King or the Prince of Wales’, his spokesman added. The Prince of Wales landed in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to mark the fifth anniversary of his environmental award, the Earthshot Prize. But as William began his first engagement at Sugarloaf Mountain, his younger brother’s office in California announced a trip to Canada this week ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

On Wednesday night the Prince of Wales attended the Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly at Pier 3, part of the three-day Earthshot summit in Rio, to see prizes handed out to groundbreaking environmental initiatives, a cause close to his heart . The event brought together government officials, indigenous leaders and youth advocates to share inspiring Earthshot stories from the past year, and highlighted investments which are helping finalists scale up their environmental solutions. Global superstars Shawn Mendes and Kylie Minogue (pictured together) answered the heir to the throne’s call to headline the awards show in the vibrant Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Dazzling Kylie, 57, said she was wearing a Stella McCartney ‘rewear’ to the event. Caught on a live Sky News broadcast, she also praised Prince William’s Earthshot prize as ‘amazing people doing incredible things’. In an impassioned speech on Wednesday night, William said: ‘I understand that some might feel discouraged in these uncertain times. I understand that there is still so much to be done. But this is no time for complacency, and the optimism I felt in 2020 [when he set up the awards], remains ardent today. Because our finalists are a shining example of how we can build stronger economies, design healthier cities, and create better jobs for the next generation.’

He continued: ‘We can support the dreamers and innovators who work tirelessly to build a more sustainable world. We can protect our beautiful planet for all life that calls it home. The choices we make during this decade will define us… but more importantly, they will define the lives of young people. The future belongs to them. They are the ones who will inherit the planet we are fighting to protect. They are the ones who will continue to drive our momentum forwards.’