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.
