Prince William makes major announcement following Prince Andrew's royal exit

Prince William has made a major announcement just days after his paternal uncle was stripped of his royal duties.

On Tuesday, October 21, the 44-year-old Prince of Wales announced the star-studded lineup for his environmental initiative, the Earthshot Prize, which will take place in Brazil for its annual gala next month.

He is set to cordially invite Matthew McConaughey, Kylie Minogue, Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes, and other global celebrities to accompany him at this year’s ceremony, slated to held in Rio on November 5.

The eagerly awaited event will be hosted by Brazilian host Luciano Huck and football star Cafu, while music legend Gilberto Gil will perform with Grammy nominee Anitta.

McConaughey appeared in an accompanying trailer, celebrating the 15 finalists competing for $1.3 million each to fund their environmental projects.

“When the stakes are highest, that’s when heroes rise,” the Interstellar actor said in his voiceover for the footage.

This announcement comes shortly after Prince Andrew surrendered his royal titles in a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday, October 17, amid the controversy surrounding his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.