Prince William's touching birthday gesture for Shawn Mendes' mother
The Prince of Wales attended the Earthshot Prize Awards with the singerPrince William left singer Shawn Mendes’ mother “shaking” with a sweet birthday gesture.
The Prince of Wales, 43, has been in Brazil this week for the Earthshot Prize Awards. The ceremony was held in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday evening.
William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020. The initiative is a global environmental award that is rewarded to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism.
Shawn, 27, attended the awards ceremony and spoke to the Prince of Wales about a birthday cake he sent to the singer’s mother.
Shawn Mendes speaks with Prince William at Earthshot Prize Awards
According to PEOPLE, Shawn told William: “She’s still shaking, thank you.”
The future king reportedly surprised Shawn’s mum, Karen, with a cake after learning it was her birthday on Sunday.
She’s still shaking, thank you.
Shawn wasn’t the only famous face at the awards ceremony on Wednesday.
William was also joined by singer Kylie Minogue and Brazilian stars Anitta and Seu Jorge.
There was also a video message from Hollywood icon Tom Cruise.
Tom Cruise congratulates the world’s true action heroes – The Earthshot Prize Winners at Awards Night! #EarthshotRio pic.twitter.com/BUzdbaTFWP
— The Earthshot Prize (@EarthshotPrize) November 6, 2025
Tom Cruise’s video message for William
He said in the pre-recorded message: “Good evening Rio, my dear friend Your Royal Highness. I am sorry I couldn’t be there in person to celebrate with you.
“But I wanted to take a moment to congratulate tonight’s winners. And to congratulate every finalist. Thank you for all the great work you are doing.”
Tom continued: “Reminding us what is possible when commitment meets purpose. But thank you for all of the work you do. Congratulations again. Enjoy your evening.”
William gives speech at Earthshot Prize Awards
Elsewhere, during the ceremony, William gave a speech to the audience and to those watching.
He said: “The issues that continue to face our world are a threat to all of us. But when we unite, our momentum is unstoppable.
“The momentum to face any challenge, no matter how intimidating. The momentum to achieve truly astonishing impact faster than imagined.”
The prince launched the initiative back in 2020. The Earthshot Prize’s mission is to “mobilise a decade of environmental action to repair the planet”.
Every year, William and the Prize Council awards £1million to five winners – one from each Earthshot category – Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate.
Read more: Prince William shows off impressive volleyball and football skills during Brazil trip
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