First in line for a volley good show

William reaches for the sky and scores with fans on visit to Rio

- BY EMILY FERGUSON Royal Editor

PRINCE William was light as heir as he leapt for the ball - and tumbled in the sand - playing beach volleyball on the first day of a visit to Brazil for his Earthshot Prize.

He showed off his skills, still wearing shirt and trousers, on Rios Copacabana Beach during downtime before tomorrow's ceremony.

When someone attempted to steer him away from the game, he joked: “We'll be here all night you guys, talk amongst yourselves.” But William's three-day visit got off to a less joyful start when his arrival coincided with Prince Harry announcing his own overseas trip.

The Duke of Sussex will land in Toronto tomorrow for two days of Remembrancetide, Canada’s term for the two weeks leading to Remembrance Sunday. Harry's plans include meeting veterans and military charities. The duke's spokesman insisted the trip had been in the works for almost a year and the late announcement was due to fears for his security.

They said the royal communications team had been consulted and made aware of Harry's plans in advance. Kensington Palace suggested they had not known of the duke's visit.

William had just arrived on a commercial flight for his first official trip to Brazil. He took a cable car up 1,299ft Sugarloaf Mountain to be greeted by Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes and cheering crowds.

UNCLE

Mayor Paes walked his guest to a helipad offering a bird's eye view of the city, including the Christ the Redeemer statue.