Prince William’s environmental mission just gained a major dose of star power — and global credibility. Supermodel and philanthropist Gisele Bündchen has officially joined the council of The Earthshot Prize, the Duke of Cambridge’s ambitious global initiative honoring the most groundbreaking solutions to environmental challenges. The move unites one of the world’s most recognizable faces with one of the planet’s most influential sustainability movements, underscoring how glamour and green innovation can coexist to drive real change.
For Bündchen, who has long woven environmental advocacy into her career, this role marks both a personal milestone and a patriotic moment. She becomes the first Brazilian ever to join the Earthshot council, a fitting debut as this year’s awards take place in Rio de Janeiro on November 5. The ceremony — set against the vibrant backdrop of her homeland — will bring together world leaders, innovators, and activists to celebrate ideas that promise to heal the planet. Prince William, 43, will travel to Brazil for several days of events around the awards before heading north to the United Nations climate conference in Belém on November 6, continuing his long-standing commitment to climate diplomacy.
The Earthshot Prize, launched by William in 2020, was designed to spotlight bold, scalable solutions to environmental crises — from restoring oceans and cleaning the air to building a waste-free economy. Each year, five winners are awarded £1 million each across five key categories, turning vision into action on a global scale. Bündchen joins an already stellar panel of advisors and advocates that includes naturalist Sir David Attenborough, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, humanitarian chef José Andrés, and World Trade Organization chief Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Together, they form what William has called an “eco-army of optimism,” united by a belief that innovation, collaboration, and hope are the planet’s most renewable resources.
“I am honored to join this mission,” Bündchen said in a statement released by The Earthshot Prize. “Protecting nature has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen the power of communities coming together to create real change. Every action matters — big or small — and together we can nurture transformation to protect the planet we call home.” She added that representing Brazil in this global effort feels especially meaningful: “The Earthshot Prize shines a light on solutions that inspire hope, and I’m proud to share these stories with the world.”
Her passion is more than just talk. Over the past two decades, Bündchen has become a powerful voice in the environmental movement, using her platform to amplify causes ranging from reforestation and clean water access to sustainable agriculture. She and her family created the Clean Water Project in southern Brazil, revitalizing local rivers and improving water systems in rural communities. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Environment Program, she has championed wildlife conservation and climate awareness worldwide.
Beyond advocacy, Bündchen has built infrastructure for impact. Through her Luz Foundation, she funds projects that uplift women and children, while also investing in environmental education and health initiatives. In recent years, the foundation has turned its focus to protecting Brazil’s fragile ecosystems — from the Amazon and Pantanal wetlands to the lesser-known biomes of the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Pampa. Her work reflects a deep understanding that environmental action must be local as much as global — rooted in community, culture, and connection.
Welcoming her to the council, Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, praised Bündchen’s “unique record of leadership and environmental progress.” He noted, “Her passion and commitment to the environmental movement in Brazil and beyond — and her dedication to amplifying real solutions — will be invaluable to our mission. Her voice, leadership, and energy will inspire everyone to keep building the future we all want for people and the planet.”
As The Earthshot Prize prepares for its landmark event in Rio, Bündchen’s inclusion sends a powerful message about the future of environmental storytelling. Her presence bridges two worlds that rarely meet — the polished realm of fashion and the urgent domain of climate action — proving that influence, when paired with purpose, can reshape public awareness. For Prince William, whose initiative has evolved into one of the most prestigious platforms for sustainability, her appointment embodies what The Earthshot Prize stands for: collective vision, cultural relevance, and the belief that change thrives when it captures both imagination and heart.
In the end, this partnership isn’t just about headlines or celebrity shine — it’s about the fusion of credibility and charisma in service of the planet. When William and Bündchen take the stage in Rio next month, their shared message will echo far beyond Brazil’s borders: the fight for Earth’s future needs everyone — from scientists and policymakers to storytellers and dreamers. Because lasting change begins when the world not only listens but also feels inspired to act.
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