The Princess of Wales has joined Prince William on an official trip to India, marking the couple's first overseas visit together in four years and the biggest step yet in her return to public duties since her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
The prince and princess arrived in Mumbai on Monday ahead of the sixth annual Earthshot awards, which take place in the city on November 17 at the end of a two-day summit hosted by William's environmental prize. Their last joint appearance on the international stage was in Boston in December 2022 for the third edition of the awards.
A significant return to the world stage
The princess, who stayed at home for the last three Earthshot ceremonies in Singapore, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, has been making a gradual return to official duties since being diagnosed with cancer in February 2024. She confirmed she was in remission in January 2025 after completing six months of preventative chemotherapy.
Since then, she has maintained a steady programme of engagements across the UK and made a solo two-day visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy in May as part of her work on early years child development. Royal sources suggest her decision to make the India trip is a clear sign of her growing confidence and wish to support her husband on the world stage.
Fond memories and a decade on
A spokesman for The Prince and Princess told The Mirror: "The Prince and Princess are both really looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic week in India. They have such fond memories of their last visit together in 2016, and are excited to be returning a decade later."
The spokesman added: "Earthshot means an enormous amount to The Prince, and The Princess is incredibly proud of what he has achieved. She's watched it grow into something truly extraordinary since she last attended the Awards in Boston in 2022, and is really looking forward to being there to support him and see that progress for herself."
India holds special memories for the couple, who toured the country and neighbouring Bhutan in April 2016, visiting Mumbai, New Delhi, Kaziranga National Park and the Taj Mahal. In Mumbai, Kate, 44, played cricket with local children.
Earthshot's biggest edition yet
India is home to more Earthshot winners and finalists than any other nation. A spokesperson for the couple said: "The Prince of Wales is hugely excited about taking Earthshot to India. India has produced more Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists than any other country. Nine Finalists. Four Winners. No other country has contributed more success stories to the Prize."
This year's ceremony will be hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and streamed on Prime Video for the first time. Palace aides said the trip would be set against a backdrop of "optimism" and looking to the future, with a major focus on young people through Children's Earthshot.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson added: "This is going to be our biggest Earthshot yet, but what makes it so special is the people behind it. From the incredible innovators finding solutions to some of the world's biggest environmental challenges to the young people determined to make a difference, there's a real sense of optimism about the week ahead."
