Prince William kicked off his week in Brazil by playing volleyball on one of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches, taking part in drills with football royalty and soaking up the panoramic views of the city. Having been welcomed to the seaside city at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Sugarloaf Mountain, the prince headed to visited one of football’s most famous arenas, the Maracanã Stadium, where he showed off his footwork.
He joined Brazilian football legend Cafu for a three-side match with some local schoolchildren. William ended his football drills by taking a penalty against goalie Pedro Enrique, 14, and was mobbed by youngsters wanting a high-five after he scored.
The prince wrapped up his first day in Rio on the world-famous Copacabana Beach.
As the sun started to set, William joined a volleyball game with Brazilian Olympian, Carolina Solberg and other locals after taking his shoes and socks off. He said to his opposition: “Hi guys, be nice.”
They played for almost 10 minutes, with the prince leaping in the air and taking several tumbles on the sand as he attempted to save the ball.
William rotated positions as he showed his prowess at the sport, with scores of wellwishers cheering him on as he got stuck in, and told his teammates that his height helped.
When someone attempted to break him away from the game, he joked: “We’ll be here all night you guys, talk amongst yourselves.” He ended the day by taking selfies and chatting to his cheerleaders – people who had lined the beach.
Even though William’s estranged brother attempted to hijack the day by announcing his two-day trip to Toronto just as he arrived in Brazil, the heir to the throne was clearly delighted to be in Latin America.
At every engagement he was happy, relaxed and fully engaged – even though he only arrived in Rio earlier that morning. Chatting to Cafu he came across like an excited child meeting their idol, as he couldn’t stop staring at his famous feet.
On the pitch he was happy to pose for endless pictures, hugs and high-fives as the youngsters were overawed that he had taken the time to visit them.
But it wasn’t until the beach that William was truly in his element.
The sporty Prince had a clear knack for volleyball, throwing himself across the pitch as he helped his team mates score points.
He was loving the game so much he resisted calls for him to leave.
William’s first day in Brazil was an overriding success, not just from a PR standpoint, but a personal one too.
As one royal source repeated the popular Palace buzzword that he was in “high spirits” he added: “He really is loving being here.”
And don’t just take my word for it, look at the hundreds of photos of the prince laughing and beaming in the brilliant sunshine.
Earthshot – the reason for his trip to Brazil- is William’s passion project, and it’s clear that travelling the world to showcase his environmental prize drives him.
It’s not just work, it’s something he cares deeply about – and it’s plain for all to see as William lights up at the mere mention of the environment.
