Prince William and Princess Kate promote butterfly conservation as Princess Anne receives first coin honour
Kensington Palace has shared a touching message from the Prince and Princess of Wales, encouraging the public to take part in a national nature initiative—just as King Charles III makes a historic move to honour his sister, Princess Anne.
In a video clip posted across royal social platforms, Prince William and Princess Kate highlighted the importance of protecting one of nature’s most delicate and beautiful creatures: the butterfly. Their message marks the start of the annual #BigButterflyCount, a UK-wide project aimed at safeguarding vital pollinators.
"Today marks the start of the #BigButterflyCount!" the Palace wrote. "From now until 10th August, join thousands across the UK in spotting and recording butterflies to help protect these vital pollinators. It only takes 15 minutes to do in any green space from your local park, garden or balcony!"
The campaign, run by Butterfly Conservation, urges people to observe and log sightings of butterflies and moths, which experts say serve as a key measure of the environment’s health. Simon Saville of Butterfly Conservation explained that strong butterfly numbers often signal a thriving ecosystem, making their protection critical in tackling biodiversity loss.
This environmental message came just as Princess Anne, often hailed as the “hardest-working royal,” received a rare and deeply symbolic honour from The Royal Mint. In celebration of her upcoming 75th birthday on August 15, the first-ever coin featuring the Princess Royal’s image has been minted.
The coin is inscribed with the words "Duty and Devotion", paying tribute to Anne’s decades of loyal service to the monarchy. It also includes the phrases "Princess Royal" and "Celebrating 75 Years", marking a major milestone for one of the most respected members of the Royal Family.
Together, the Waleses’ call to protect nature and the King’s tribute to his sister reflect the monarchy’s continued commitment to public service, environmental stewardship, and honouring those who embody quiet dedication.
