HRH’s The Princess of Wales and Prince William, representing The Royal Foundation, welcomed Melinda French Gates to Windsor Castle
On June 25, 2025, the Princess of Wales and Prince William welcomed Melinda French Gates to Windsor Castle for a private meeting that reflected their shared commitment to transformative philanthropy. Hosted under the auspices of The Royal Foundation, this significant engagement showcased the Princess’s dedication to advancing initiatives that create lasting societal impact. Established in 2009, The Royal Foundation serves as the charitable vehicle for the Prince and Princess of Wales, uniting people, organizations, and resources to address key global challenges in areas such as early childhood development, mental health, environmental sustainability, and community support.
The Princess of Wales has long been a passionate advocate for the transformative power of early childhood development and mental health support. She firmly believes that the earliest years of life shape the adults we become and has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to elevate the importance of this critical period. Through her leadership of The Royal Foundation’s “Shaping Us” campaign, Kate has sought to foster greater understanding of how nurturing environments and early intervention can positively influence a child’s future. Similarly, her mental health advocacy has focused on breaking down stigma, championing accessible support systems, and empowering communities to prioritise mental well-being. The engagement marked Kate’s first official activity in her capacity as patron of the Royal Foundation, the charitable organisation she leads alongside Prince William. According to the Court Circular, which formally records royal engagements, the Prince of Wales accompanied his wife for the meeting with the former spouse of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
The meeting with Melinda French Gates highlighted these shared priorities. Discussions centered on pivotal topics such as early childhood development, mental health, environmental protection, and homelessness—issues that resonate deeply with both The Royal Foundation and Melinda’s Pivotal Ventures. Melinda’s leadership in philanthropy, including a $12.5 billion initiative to uplift women and families, aligns closely with the Princess’s mission to address systemic challenges with innovative, scalable solutions.
HRH Kate continues to drive impactful collaborations, blending tradition with a modern approach to philanthropy. Her work exemplifies the royal family’s enduring commitment to creating a better future, particularly through initiatives that prioritise the youngest and most vulnerable in society. The royal couple have made it onto Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential philanthropists. William and Kate were named in the Innovators category where they were hailed by the US publication for modernising royal philanthropy. Their Royal Foundation supports a number of their projects, including Kate’s early years work and William’s fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Ms Gates, also named as a leading philanthropist by the magazine
As the Princess prepares for upcoming engagements, including Wimbledon and the French state visit, she remains steadfast in her efforts to champion causes close to her heart. By fostering global partnerships and elevating vital conversations, she continues to inspire hope and progress, ensuring her work leaves a profound and lasting legacy.
