Royal couple hosts major meetings as focus shifts to climate action and philanthropy
Just one day after Princess Catherine quietly resumed royal duties at Windsor Castle, Prince William shared a hopeful update reflecting the couple’s renewed public engagements.
Kensington Palace confirmed that on Wednesday, 25 June, the Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed philanthropist Melinda French Gates to Windsor. The private meeting, held near their Adelaide Cottage residence, marked Catherine’s first official engagement since her unexpected absence from Royal Ascot, which had sparked concern among royal watchers.
The following day, Prince William turned his focus to climate leadership, hosting the Nature’s Guardians: On the Road to COP30 & Beyond roundtable at St James’s Palace. The event brought together global leaders, environmental advocates, Indigenous representatives, and philanthropic institutions to discuss actionable strategies ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil.
“Delighted to bring together leaders, Indigenous Peoples and philanthropic institutions ahead of COP30 in Brazil at St James’s Palace today,” read a statement shared on the couple’s official Instagram page.
The Prince emphasised the crucial role Indigenous communities play in environmental conservation: “Indigenous Peoples and local communities lead the way in protecting nature. Their role is vital and must be supported.”
He further added, “Today’s discussion was all about turning commitment into action, and making sure Indigenous knowledge and experience shape the road to COP30 and beyond.”
The back-to-back engagements signal a steady return to public life for the Princess of Wales, and reaffirm the royal couple’s deep commitment to global challenges—from early childhood to environmental sustainability.
