No one expected Prince William to steal the spotlight for his beach body — yet that’s exactly what happened when the future King of England swapped his royal suit for a casual button-down and joined a friendly game of beach volleyball in Brazil.
The royal, usually seen in more formal settings, surprised fans with a relaxed, athletic side that quickly set social media abuzz.
A Royal Turns Heads on Copacabana Beach
As the sun blazed over Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach, the 43-year-old heir to the throne ditched his shoes, rolled up his sleeves, and dove into a spirited volleyball match with Olympic star Carolina Solberg.
Sporting designer stubble, toned arms, and the kind of lean physique that many midlife dads only dream of, William made an unforgettable impression.
Fans online quickly dubbed him “His Royal Hotness” — a nickname that spread across X (formerly Twitter) faster than the ball he was spiking.
Photos of the barefoot prince leaping across the sand sent admirers into a frenzy, while others cheekily called Kate Middleton a “lucky woman.”
Fans, Fun, and Flattery
After the game, Prince William met cheering crowds eager for selfies and handshakes.
“I’m sweaty after some volleyball,” he laughed, taking photos with fans who had gathered to see him in person.
Carolina Solberg, who runs the Levante Institute, a beach volleyball school for disadvantaged children, praised the prince’s energy and skill.
“He’s tall, he can hit — he’d be great if he practiced more,” she joked.
“It was amazing playing with him; he brought so much fun and energy.”
A Peek Into William’s Healthy Lifestyle
It’s no surprise the prince looked so fit on the beach.
Though he keeps his current workout routine private, William’s past as an RAF pilot and his lifelong love for sports clearly show.
In 2022, he shared that his mornings usually start with a healthy breakfast of eggs, wholemeal toast, and apple juice — paired with tea, never coffee.
He’s also confessed to cutting down on sugar and enjoying simple meals like fish and mushrooms for dinner, sometimes accompanied by a glass of red wine.
And when it comes to snacks, he’s just like the rest of us — a banana or a brownie now and then.
The Sporty Side of Royal Life
Both William and Kate are known for their love of physical activity.
The prince has taken part in rowing, polo, and swimming over the years — and he’s even shared that he enjoys jogging during his royal trips.
In 2023, he told interviewers he had gone for a solo run through New York’s Central Park before the Earthshot Prize Summit.
His Brazilian visit kept that sporty spirit alive.
Before hitting the beach, William stopped by Rio’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, where he joined football legend Cafu for a friendly match with local children.
Football, Fun, and a Royal Goal
At the Maracanã, the prince laced up a pair of sleek £179 white sustainable sneakers and took to the pitch with excitement.
He joked with young volunteers from the Terra FC project — an organization that teaches kids about the environment through sports — asking with a grin, “My team’s Aston Villa, have you heard of them?”
In a playful three-a-side match, Cafu’s team narrowly beat William’s side 3–2, but the royal quickly bounced back by joining drills with young girls learning balance through football.
When it came time for a penalty kick, the prince’s teammates chanted his name as he scored against 14-year-old goalie Pedro Enrique, who later said, “It was a good penalty — I was nervous but excited. He’s the most famous person to ever take a shot against me!”
Royal Duties with a Purpose
Prince William’s trip to Brazil isn’t just about sports and sunshine — it marks the start of three important days of engagements ahead of his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony.
On Thursday, he’ll travel to Belém, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, where he’ll represent King Charles at the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference for the first time.
The visit is being described as a major step for William as he takes on a larger role in global environmental leadership.
His upcoming speech, expected to be a “landmark” address, will be delivered alongside Brazil’s Prime Minister.
Exploring Brazil’s Beauty and Biodiversity
Throughout his stay, the prince will explore Brazil’s breathtaking biodiversity and famous landmarks.
His itinerary includes a visit to the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue, towering over Rio from Corcovado Mountain, as well as several engagements highlighting the country’s rich natural ecosystem.
He’ll also appear at the United for Wildlife Global Summit and visit “Earthshot Boulevard”, an open-air hub designed to promote sustainability and public engagement.
Honoring Innovators for a Greener Future
This year’s Earthshot Prize finalists come from 72 countries, narrowed down from nearly 2,500 nominees.
Among them is a Brazilian start-up using artificial intelligence to restore forests, and a British company, Matter, which created a washing machine filter to stop microplastics from polluting the oceans.
William’s presence in Brazil underscores his growing commitment to championing innovative solutions for climate change — something his father, King Charles, has long been passionate about.
Kate’s Absence and William’s Excitement
Although the Princess of Wales stayed behind in Windsor with their children, who just returned to school after the half-term break, her husband made it clear how eager he was about his South American adventure.
“As I depart for Rio de Janeiro, I’m thrilled to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture, incredible biodiversity, and the warmth of its people,” William said before takeoff.
“Hosting the Earthshot Prize here reminds us that when we work together with courage and optimism, a sustainable future is truly within reach.”