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.
