Why Prince William and Gisele Bündchen are teaming up in Brazil

Prince William and Gisele Bündchen are uniting for a good cause.

The supermodel, 45, and Prince of Wales, 43, are joining forces on the Earthshot Prize council.

Prince William first created The Earthshot Prize in 2020, which highlights innovative ideas addressing the planet’s biggest issues.

This year’s awards will take place in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 5.

Bündchen is the first Brazilian to have a seat on the the council.

The cover star will be accompanied by conservationist Sir David Attenborough, actress Cate Blanchett, chef José Andrés and World Trade Organization director-general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Following the ceremony, Prince William will make his way over to the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on Nov. 6.

Bündchen noted that she is “honored” to join forces with the royal.

“Protecting nature has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen the power of the global communities coming together and supporting innovation to create real change,” she shared in a statement.

“Every action matters big or small and together we can nurture change to protect the planet we call home. The Earthshot Prize shines a light on solutions that inspire hope and transformation, and I’m proud to represent Brazil in sharing these stories with the world.”

Bündchen is no stranger to advocating for the environment.

The philanthropist started the Clean Water Project in her home country of southern Brazil alongside her family.

Bündchen has also worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the UN Environment Program, which focuses on climate, nature, pollution, and sustainable development.

Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, gushed over the Miami resident’s “unique record of leadership and environmental progress. Her passion and commitment to the environmental movement in Brazil and beyond, and her dedication to amplifying solutions will be invaluable to our mission.”

He added: “Her voice, leadership and dedication, will inspire everyone to keep building the future we all want for people and the planet.”

Along with advocating for the environment, Bündchen welcomed her third child, a baby boy, with boyfriend Joaquim Valente in February.

Bündchen and her ex-husband Tom Brady are co-parents to daughter Vivian, 12, and son Benjamin 15.

Prince William, meanwhile, opened up about his past year while sitting down with Eugene Levy for the actor’s Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler.”

In the episode titled “Living the Royal Life in the UK,” the future king and the “Schitt’s Creek” star, 78, discussed how life can change in the blink of an eye.

“We’ve been very lucky; we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high 90s,” William said, referencing the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

“They were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience, if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family,” he added. “But I think, when you suddenly realize that the rug, if you were, the metaphorical rug, can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point.

“You maybe think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be OK.’ Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive,” William said. “But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”

While sitting down for a pint at a local pub, Levy and William also touched on the last few years.

In addition to Middleton, 43, his father, King Charles, was also diagnosed with cancer.

“I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” the prince shared. “You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” 

In March 2024, the Princess of Wales revealed she was being treated for cancer.

By September 2024, the princess announced she was cancer-free.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Middleton said. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

King Charles, 76, meanwhile, was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 and has continued to undergo treatment.

In November 2024, while in South Africa, William made a rare comment to reporters following his annual Earthshot Prize Ceremony and revealed: “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”