Prince William and Princess Kate have called for a “better world” just hours after Andrew Mountbatten Windsor had his royal titles removed after continued scrutiny over his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
William has been preparing for the Earthshot Prize, which will be hosted in South America for the first time, as it heads to Rio de Janeiro from November 3-5.
“A world where greenhouse gas emissions are falling, and carbon-neutral economies help protect the most vulnerable", he said.
“A world like this is within reach.”
The Waleses took to social media just hours after Andrew Mountbatten Windsor had his royal titles removed
|GETTY
It was the fifth day in a row that the couple had shared a video on Earthshot finalists, having posted a video every day for the past week detailing three initiatives that are doing their part to help combat climate change.
The decision to remove Andrew of his royal titles is understood to have come directly from King Charles, and requires Mr Windsor to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor and surrender his right to be a “prince”.
In the statement, the Palace confirmed: “His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.
“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. 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.
Prince William is preparing for his Earthshot Prize to take place in South America for the first time
| GETTY“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
A source in Kensington Palace revealed: “The Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales, fully support the King's leadership on this matter. These decisions have been the King's, with the support of the wider family.”
Prince William’s Earthshot Prize is entering its fifth year after debuting in 2020, and for the first time, there will be an interactive area for visitors in Brazil.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS
The prize launched the Earthshot Boulevard last week, which will see visitors able to view an exhibition named Cool Globes.
The installation will feature globe-shaped sculptures designed by different artists who have designed ways to bring climate solutions to life.
The public art exhibit has already been displayed in 24 cities around the world and was developed by climate charity Eleven Eleven Foundation.
The Earthshot Prize launched the Earthshot Boulevard in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, with visitors able to interact with the event for the first time
| BBCVisitors to the boulevard will be able to buy Earthshot Coffee, which is made from sustainable Macaw coffee beans and served with sustainable oat milk in a seaweed coated recyclable cups.
The Earthshot Prize will be awarded on November 5 as the Brazilian capital builds up to the ceremony over the coming days.