The Prince of Wales took to the sand in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil this week, joining local players – including Brazilian beach volleyball Olympian Carol Salgado – for a game of beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach, the same world-famous venue that hosted the sport’s greatest stars during the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
HRH Prince William, in Brazil to attend the Earthshot Prize and COP30 climate conferences, surprised beachgoers when he stepped onto the sand to rally with Salgado and other locals. The royal prince showed impressive skills and good humour, drawing cheers as he successfully returned several serves.
Salgado, who represented Brazil in beach volleyball at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, guided the Prince through a few rallies and shared tips on technique. Clips of the beach volleyball match have gone viral across social media, with fans praising the Prince’s enthusiasm and teamwork.
The friendly match formed part of the wider visit focused on environmental innovation and community engagement – pillars that are also central to the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032.
