Princess Catherine could join Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Mumbai, India, next month, a move that might elevate her to unprecedented levels of global stardom and leave Meghan Markle watching on with envy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have not travelled abroad together in an official capacity since Kate's cancer diagnosis in 2024. Their last overseas work trip together was to Jordan in June 2023 for Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa's royal wedding.
A Return to the International Stage
In May, the 44-year-old dipped her toe back into international travel with a "deeply personal" solo trip to northern Italy, leading many to hope she will join this year's Earthshot. The Prince of Wales will head to Mumbai for a two-day summit, culminating in the starry environmental Awards night on 17 November.
The 2026 Prize has now announced four presenters: Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek, actresses Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor, and legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. However, there are five winners of the Prize across five distinct categories: Revive our Oceans, Fix our Climate, Build a Waste-Free World, Protect and Restore Nature, and Clean our Air.
Mystery Fifth Presenter
The website states there are more stars "to be announced," leaving fans to wonder if Kate could be the mystery fifth presenter. The Princess of Wales presented an award in Boston in 2022 and also joined her husband at the inaugural awards in London in 2021, calling for action to save the planet.
Kensington Palace is yet to confirm her attendance in India but a source previously told The Mirror she was feeling "inspired" by the prospect of travelling to South Asia in November.
A Decade Since the Last Tour
William and Kate previously took a week-long tour of India and Bhutan in April 2016, shortly before their fifth wedding anniversary. Their reception among locals was mixed, with some questioning the appropriateness of British royalty receiving such fanfare after their shared colonial past.
But on aspects of that 2016 tour that dazzled with Bollywood royalty, the couple piqued the interest of younger Indian generations. And if Kate returns with William next month after 10 years away, and interest in the younger royals is at fever pitch across the globe, you can imagine Kate with shimmer like never before.
