Prince William swapped palace walls for palm trees on Tuesday night, taking Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach by storm with a sky scorching drone show that turned sustainability into pure spectacle.
As crowds gathered along the sand, hundreds of glowing drones soared above the ocean, forming the Earthshot logo, shimmering icons for each award category, and the words 'Prêmio Earthshot' plus a giant QR code inviting onlookers to join the mission to save the planet.
Between each glowing display, the drones pulsed and swirled like flocks of digital birds, leaving the crowd awestruck.
The show followed the future King’s impassioned address at the United for Wildlife Summit, where he rallied the world to stand with those defending nature.
“We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction,” William urged.
“We must stand alongside those who every day are standing up and defending nature… and act together.”
“Governments, businesses and civil society, each must now step up and play their role in developing solutions, scaling support, and shifting resources to where they are needed most,” the Prince declared, as he warned of the escalating destruction of the Amazon rainforest.
Citing shocking figures, William revealed that more than 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared in the past year due to illegal activity and crimes.
“Fuel violence and corruption, distort legitimate economies, and devastate millions of lives,”he said.
Speaking with conviction, the future King emphasised the devastating toll on Indigenous peoples, describing the losses as “not just environmental but existential.”
“As forests are destroyed, so are their ancestral lands, sacred sites, and even lives,” he said solemnly.
In a major announcement, the Prince revealed a new partnership between his Royal Foundation, the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon, and The Podaali Fund, the first Indigenous-led fund covering the entire region.
He explained that the initiative would work “with those who know the land best,” ensuring that Indigenous leadership guides every step.
“This partnership will be guided by Indigenous leadership, delivered through Indigenous mechanisms, and focused on those most at risk such as isolated communities, female Indigenous leaders, and those living near international borders,” William said.