Prince William causes a stir as volleyball pictures go viral following Andrew’s exile

Prince William has sparked quite the debate online after pictures of him enjoying a game of volleyball went viral following his uncle Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's exile from the Royal Family.

Buckingham Palace announced last week (30 October) that Andrew would be losing all his royal titles and honours. Just days later, William found himself in Brazil, where he has been all week for both his annual Earthshot Awards on Wednesday (5 November) and COP30, the UN's climate conference.

Now, William started his trip with a penalty shootout at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio, before heading to Copacabana Beach to take part in a volleyball game on Monday (3 November).

Some critics were enraged after seeing the snaps, with one social media user hitting out: "Shame on William. His only role is to protect his subjects. Not strut on the world stage."

A second jabbed: "William's got sand between his toes, but I'm still trying to figure out why anyone cares about some rich dude's vacation plans."

And a final person sneered with air quotes: "'Working hard.'"

Prince William enjoyed a game of volleyball on Rio's Copacabana Beach on Monday (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Others, however, took no issue with it at all.

"Prince William playing volleyball is so fun to watch," praised one fan, while a second chimed in: "He looks so happy. He has been so strained with worry and concern these past few years. Looks like his and his dear family’s joy in their new home has worked its magic already."

A third quipped: "He looks like he’s having a lot of fun, good for him."

"I love how much fun he has with the people he meets with," gushed a fourth, while another beamed: "He really does look like he is having a blast and so do crowds."

And a final fan echoed: "It takes quite a bit of physicality and skill to avoid looking ungainly playing sand volleyball. I cannot begin to imagine playing in front of the world as an audience.

"Well done, William, you are looking terrific!"

Royal fans defended the Prince of Wales for his Brazil visit antics (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The Palace's announcement followed Andrew's previous announcement that he would relinquish his titles due to new allegations surrounding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

"His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew," the Palace said in a statement.

"Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation."