Prince William pleasantly surprised viewers by making an unexpected appearance on a Brazilian television program this week, just ahead of the Earthshot Prize environmental awards ceremony.

The 43-year-old royal arrived in Rio de Janeiro for what he describes as his “favorite” event of the year, choosing to focus on the positive occasion despite ongoing issues surrounding his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

Before embarking on three days filled with royal duties, the Prince of Wales sent a heartfelt video message to Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck, who is hosting this year’s Earthshot awards.

In a selfie-style recording, Prince William addressed the message to Huck’s popular show, Domingão com Huck.

Luciano Huck also announced that Prince William would feature as a special guest in an upcoming episode, scheduled to air on Sunday, November 9.

Appearing in a navy suit and tie, with a backdrop of autumn foliage, William expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “Hi Luciano, can’t wait to see you this week.”

‘Thank you so much for hosting the Earthshot Prize Awards on Wednesday. Can’t wait to see you there!’

William’s surprise cameo made for a treat for audience members, with one person barely able to contain their excitement, exclaiming: ‘Oh my god, oh my god!’ 

Prince William delighted audiences as he made a surprise appearance on a Brazilian TV show this week (pictured)

The royal, 43, today touched down in Rio de Janeiro for his ‘favourite’ event of the year. Pictured in London on October 17

Huck himself gave the future King a gushing introduction as he announced his upcoming feature on the show.  

In a speech, translated from Portuguese, he said: ‘Prince William, the future King of England, son of Princess Diana and King Charles III, will be in Brazil next week. 

‘He’s coming to Brazil to present an award called the Earthshot Prize, which recognises sustainability projects around the world.

‘And he’ll be on Domingão next Sunday, he’ll be part of our mix. So, I asked him to send us a short video.’

Huck is also set to host the Earthshot awards on November 5 alongside sports stars Marcos Evangelista de Morais, better known as Cafu, the former Brazilian defender; Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula One world champion; and Txai Surui, a leading voice for Brazil’s Indigenous communities and the environment. 

The visit comes on the heels of some of the most damaging headlines the Royal Family has known since the death of William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday night that the former Duke of York, 65, will now only be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

In a bombshell statement, the Palace coldly announced the ‘censures [were] deemed necessary’ amid the growing controversy surrounding his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Andrew lied about cutting ties.

William is attending the event without his wife, the Princess of Wales, who remains at home in Windsor with their children who are returning to school after the half-term holiday. Pictured: William in June in his capacity as founder and president of the award

Within hours, the former royal was erased from the Roll of the Peerage, and it was revealed he could face a private prosecution over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office. 

William, who was reportedly left ‘seething’ by his uncle at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, is said to have fully supported the King’s decision to strip Andrew of his Prince title and evict him from Royal Lodge.

However, he is determined to put the focus back on his work in the upcoming weeks.  

‘This is Prince William’s favourite moment of the year. This is what he does best. It means so much for all our community that he is here,’ said Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize and former Communications Secretary to the prince. 

Prior to his visit, William appeared on the cover of Hello! Magazine to open up about his worries as a parent to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. 

He said: ‘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. 

‘But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk. The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow.’

The royal’s arrival in Rio will kick-start three days of engagements leading up to the awards themselves on Wednesday night. 

Prince William is determined to firmly put the ongoing scandal around his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, to one side (file image)

On Thursday, William will fly to Belem, gateway to the Amazon rainforest, to represent his father, King Charles, at the COP30 United Nations climate change conference for the first time.

There, he will give a ‘landmark’ speech alongside the Prime Minister, marking a significant step up for the future king as an international statesman.

It is his first official visit to Latin America and will see William visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, highlighting a cause he is deeply passionate about.

Although many engagements cannot be revealed in advance for security reasons, it can be revealed that he will view the world-famous Christ the Redeemer, the 125 foot Art Deco statue that towers over the area from Corcovado Mountain.

And he will also take in some of Rio’s iconic beaches, alongside engagements to understand the biodiversity of the city – and get his chance to show off his skills at the legendary Maracana football stadium.

In addition he will attend a United for Wildlife Global Summit and visit ‘Earthshot Boulevard’ a specially-created open-air experience and hub for public engagement in the city.

This year’s finalists were chosen out of nearly 2,500 nominees from 72 countries and include a Brazilian start-up restoring forests with the help of AI and British company Matter, which has developed a filter than can be fitted to washing machines to stop microplastics entering the oceans through laundry and waste water. 

William is attending without his wife, the Princess of Wales, who remains at home in Windsor with their children who are returning to school after the half-term holiday.

Speaking as he departed from London, William said: ‘As I depart for Rio de Janeiro, I am excited for my first visit and to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture, its extraordinary biodiversity, and above all, the warmth of its people.

‘With the world’s eyes turning to Brazil this week, there is no better place to celebrate bold climate leadership. Hosting The Earthshot Prize allows us to not only recognise those driving change, but to be inspired by them. When we work together with optimism and courage, a more sustainable future is within our reach.’