William scores goal during volleyball match on Copacabana beach as he launches Earthshot Prize

The Prince of Wales, 43, kicked off his shoes for a game of volleyball on the lush iconic beach.

He joined a local beach volleyball school run by Olympian Carolina Solberg, 38, as locals crammed around to see the royal in action.

After hitting the sand several times and scoring points, the Prince loudly declared: "That was brilliant".

The waterside event came after famed Brazilian footballer Cafu joined William at the world-famous Maracana Stadium.

As part of the visit, he was able to take and score a penalty at the stadium which has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals.

Read More: William and Kate throw party for builders and staff who helped them leave 'cursed' cottage early

Read More: Prince Harry warns of 'evil' social media's impact on children’s mental health

Earlier in the day, William took a cable car up to the vantage spot on Sugarloaf Mountain and stood on top of the mountain with a bird’s eye view of the metropolis and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

He was greeted by the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, and given an honour reserved for the carnival king – the keys to the city.

Speaking afterwards Mayor Paes said royal protocols could have been an issue: “But, I mean, he was very nice, amazed with the beauty of the city, and we are very happy to have him here. It’s big honour for the city.

He joked: “So he’s got the keys, he can do whatever he wants in the next 72 hours. The city belongs to Prince William. I’m still the king, but it will belong to him!”

The two chatted about a range of issues from local politics, the Rio landscape, a meeting of global mayors in the city and the recent massive police raid targeting a drug-trafficking gang in Rio which left at least 121 people dead.

The mayor said: “I spoke a lot, I try to explain to him the security issue of the city a little bit. I mean, obviously, it’s much more deep than something that you can explain in five minutes, but it was a good opportunity to explain.”

Asked if he hoped William’s visit would not be overshadowed by the turmoil that has engulfed the royal family over the King’s controversial brother Andrew, he replied “Well, we all have problems.”

Read more: 'Tragic situation': Donald Trump feels 'badly' for royal family amid Andrew fallout

Read more: Rio to become ‘Earthshot City’ as it prepares to host Prince William's environmental awards

William is in Brazil for five-days to stage his Earthshot Prize and attend the Cop30 UN climate change summit.

During the trip, William will visit the city’s Maracana stadium and join school children taking part in football drills with former Brazilian defender Marcos Evangelista de Morais, better known as Cafu, to highlight the work of community leaders.

Pop princess Kylie Minogue and Canadian singer Shawn Mendes are some of the global stars who will be performing at the Earthshot prize-giving ceremony, alongside Brazilian music icon and former Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join William at the star-studded event, where the prince will give the key-note speech, before both men gather with world leaders at the global Cop30 climate change summit in the Amazonian city of Belem.

William said before leaving for Rio: “I am excited for my first visit and to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture, its extraordinary biodiversity, and above all, the warmth of its people.

“With the world’s eyes turning to Brazil this week, there is no better place to celebrate bold climate leadership.

“Hosting The Earthshot Prize allows us to not only recognise those driving change, but to be inspired by them. When we work together with optimism and courage, a more sustainable future is within our reach.”