Prince William sets hearts racing as he's mobbed by fans during Rio visit

Prince William greets fans in Rio (Image: Getty)

The Prince of Wales sparked a right royal frenzy as he was hugged and mobbed by royal fans following his first engagement in Brazil today. Prince William began his first trip to the South American country to stage his Earthshot Prize environmental awards on Wednesday.

Today, he stood on top of Sugarloaf Mountain with a bird's eye view of the metropolis and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue after being greeted by the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes. William had taken the cable car up to the vantage spot popular with tourists at the start of a five-day visit to Brazil to stage his Earthshot Prize and attend the Cop30 UN climate change summit.

William stood on a helipad near a tourist viewing spot to take in the sights and chatted to the mayor, who presented him with the keys to the city and shouted in Portuguese to the watching crowds, "Viva Rio".

Royal fans were excited to see the future King. (Image: Getty)

The Prince of Wales was mobbed by crowds. (Image: Getty)

Prince William began his visit in Brazil today. (Image: Getty)

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On his way to depart, the heir to the throne was mobbed by various well-wishers who had gathered to see him.

He was seen shaking hands and taking selfies with the cheering crowds.

In a video uploaded on social media, William can be seen chatting to fans, with one of them, a young woman, appearing to be excited to be meeting the British heir, trying to touch his arms, back and shoulders before taking a photograph with him.

Royal fans took notice of the sweet moment and took to social media to express their views.

One user wrote on X: "The Crowds came out for Prince William in Rio, Brazil! With one lady enjoying William’s broad shoulders [laughing face emoji."

Another one agreed with the woman's gesture and said: "If I was able to touch him like that I probably wouldn’t let go."

A third one added: "Oh my! So jealous of the handsy lady."

A fourth one commented: "Ooooooh….She’s VERY handsy……!!!"

While a fifth one joked with a gif of Princess Kate clapping while looking serious.

Meanwhile, another fan said while sharing a photograph of William with well-wishers in Rio: "Prince William is loved globally."

Another one wrote: "Prince William is having so much fun in Brazil. BRAZWILLIAM."