It's showtime! After undertaking several engagements related to the environment this week, the main event of Prince William’s trip to Brazil arrived on Wednesday evening: the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony. The fifth annual event, where this year's five winners were unveiled, brought together global stars, like Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, as well as innovators and policy makers at Rio de Janeiro's Museum of Tomorrow.
Prior to traveling to Brazil, the Prince of Wales, founder of the prestigious Earthshot Prize, exclusively told HELLO! that Rio felt "like the perfect place to celebrate the power of environmental innovation," with its energy, people and landscapes.
"This region is home to some of the world’s most vital ecosystems and some of its most passionate environmental defenders," the heir to the throne said. "By hosting the prize in Brazil, we're shining a light on the solutions emerging from this part of the world and drawing global attention to the urgency and opportunity of climate action."
From Prince William reuniting with Shawn (after surprising his mom with a cake) to what the Prince of Wales wore, scroll for photos from the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony...
© Getty ImagesThe royal recycled a Tom Ford velvet jacket
Prince William re-wore a Tom Ford tuxedo and black tie for the event. The royal looked relaxed and happy to be back at the fifth annual ceremony. He was greeted by cheers and the sound of a lively Samba band and Carnival dancers as he arrived at the museum.
© Getty ImagesPrince William hit the green carpet
© Getty ImagesKylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes with Prince William
Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes are among the night's performers. "It’s a privilege and honour to be part of The Earthshot Prize in Rio – on stage with the people and the ideas that could save our planet," Kylie has said.
© Getty ImagesThe Prince of Wales with four of night's performers
Fellow performers and Brazilian artists Seu Jorge and Anitta also joined the Earthshot Prize founder for a photo on the green carpet. Seu has previously said: "The real heroes today are the people out there doing the work, restoring forests, cleaning rivers, and caring for the places we call home. Their work reminds us that healing the Earth begins with small acts of courage, and I am proud to be part of The Earthshot Prize, celebrating that spirit and the people who refuse to give up on our planet."
© Getty ImagesWilliam met Shawn ahead of the awards ceremony
Shawn thanked the Prince for his kindness when he asked after his mother, Karen. "She’s still shaking, thank you," the singer replied. The Prince had met the Canadian star during rehearsals earlier in the day, greeting him with a warm hug.
© AFP via Getty ImagesPrince William and Kylie Minogue
Kylie was heard describing Prince William's Earthshot Prize as "amazing people doing incredible things." Asked whether she thought the awards would go to Australia next year, Minogue said: "Oooh maybe, I’ll be there!"
© FIGUEIREDO/EPA/ShutterstockShawn's mom received a surprise from Prince William
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Prince and the Prime Minister
After walking the green carpet, Prince William made his way upstairs to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Britain’s Ambassador to Brazil Stephanie Al-Qaq and Brazilian environment minister Marina Silva.
Kylie Minogue at the awards ceremony
Kylie Minogue performed onstage at the ceremony.
Luciano Huck
The evening was hosted by Brazilian TV show host Luciano Huck. In a previous statement, Luciano said: "It is an honour to host The Earthshot Prize in Brazil. The Prize inspires, celebrates, and proves that solutions to the planet’s greatest challenges already exist, and I am delighted to be hosting this incredible event. The Earthshot Prize will showcase to the world the creativity, energy, and potential of both Brazilian and global initiatives working towards a more sustainable future."
© Getty ImagesEarthshot winners
William posed with the five winners, each of whom will receive £1million to fund their eco projects.
The winners from the five categories were:
- Protect and Restore Nature: re.green, Brazil
- Clean Our Air: The city of Bogotá, Colombia
- Revive Our Oceans: The High Seas Treaty (Global)
- Build a Waste-Free World: Lagos Fashion Week, Nigeria
- Fix Our Climate: Friendship, Bangladesh
© Getty Images'Everyone was up and dancing!'
William had a Kylie fan moment as he thanked the Aussie pop star for performing at the ceremony. "Thank you so much, honestly, the whole thing was fantastic," the Prince told Kylie, commenting on the fact that "everyone was up and dancing!"
William then appeared to suggest Kylie could perform at another Earthshot Prize ceremony in future. "It's a deal," she told him.
