While representing King Charles III at the COP30 in Brazil, Prince William faced a question that many had been dying to ask. But instead of directly addressing the royal family shakeup, the future king said: “rather than talk about [change], we’re doing it.”
In early November, Prince William, 43, traveled to Brazil to participate in the World Leaders Summit during the COP30 climate negotiations. This was a landmark appearance – not just for environmental diplomacy, but for the royal’s public evolution as the future king.
Addressing world leaders, William stated, “I grew up with my father – the king – talking about the power of nature and the importance of harmony in the natural world. A subject he has championed for over five decades,” he said, according to BBC.
“It is a privilege to also represent him here today, as well as everyone else who has championed this cause, for so many years.”
This address marked his first formal speech on behalf of King Charles III, underscoring not only his growing influence in global policy but also the continuity of the royal family’s environmental advocacy.
Recreated iconic moment
One of the most poignant moments of the trip came when William recreated the iconic photograph of his mother, Princess Diana, at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Joining him was Rio’s mayor Eduardo Paes, and the moment was more than just nostalgic – it was symbolic.
Beneath the gaze of the monument, William met with the 2025 Earthshot Prize finalists, emphasizing his commitment to sustainability through the global initiative he co-founded with David Attenborough in 2020.
This was the fifth awards event for Earthshot, “the most prestigious and impactful environmental award,” that according to the website selected five winners from 2,500 nominations across 72 countries.
Tense moment
But it wasn’t all diplomacy and photo ops.
Speaking with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at the Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly, the heir to the throne was pressed on a topic many had hoped he’d finally address.
The interview began with a discussion about his environmental work but quickly took a sharp turn when Amanpour brought up his appearance on The Reluctant Traveler, hosted by Eugene Levy on Apple TV+.
On the show, William touched on how he embraces change: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good. And I embrace that and I enjoy that change – I don’t fear it,” William told Levy, per People.
The journalist followed up, asking William to elaborate – “given there has been a lot of change in your family recently.”
Disgraced uncle
Amanpour’s question appeared to hint at his uncle’s forced retreat from royal duties over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – formerly Prince Andrew – was most recently evicted from the Royal Lodge, a move that many see as William tightening control over royal properties.
“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor,” the royal family shared in an official statement. “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Diplomatic response
But William refused to take the bait. Instead, he referenced the Earthshot Prize and used it as an example for change: “I think the Earthshot Prize is a classic example of change. Rather than talk about it, we’re doing it. That’s where I want it to be…Change will come by backing them, not by what I do.”
“I want to surround myself with people who want to make change and do good in the world,” the Prince of Wales said.
William added: “Again, you have to provide leadership and a vision that there’s good things to come and that it’s not all negative.”
Prince William may have dodged the question, but his message was clear: he’s focused on progress – not palace drama. The real question now is, how much more “change” is coming for the royal family?
What do you think of how Prince William is handing royal family drama? Please let us know your thoughts and then share this story so we can hear from others!
READ MORE
- Prince William has chilling threat for Prince Andrew
- Lip reader reveals ‘furious’ Prince William’s last public interaction with Prince Andrew
