The Princess of Wales held a private meeting with billionaire Melinda French Gates, founder of Pivotal, at the organisation's London offices, according to the Court Circular.
The meeting took place yesterday, a day before Catherine appeared publicly in Belfast with her husband, Prince William. The Court Circular read: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning attended a meeting with Mrs Melinda French Gates (Founder of Pivotal) at the offices of Pivotal in London.”
Details of the private meeting
It is not known exactly what the meeting was about, though Melinda is likely to have spoken to Catherine about her work with Pivotal, the organisation founded by Bill Gates' ex-wife. The company is a group of organisations working together to help social progress for women and young people in America and around the world. It says it uses “philanthropy, investments, and advocacy” to drive momentum for this.
Melinda has so far committed $2 billion to expanding women’s power and influence, and it is likely Pivotal’s work would have been mentioned in the meeting. However, as it was a private meeting, further details are unlikely to be disclosed. The princess was not joined by her husband, Prince William, at the meeting.
Public appearance in Belfast
News of the meeting comes as Princess Catherine is in Belfast with Prince William today. The future king and queen’s visit is to carry out engagements focused on the Homewards initiative, which William launched in 2023 with the aim of working to end homelessness.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have spent time today meeting organisations and young people who have been working together to create pathways to employment, stability, belonging and opportunity for those at risk of homelessness. Catherine and William were all smiles as they stepped out in Belfast, stopping to meet members of the public despite the drizzly weather.
Outfit and schedule
Catherine wore a green tartan midi skirt, a white blouse, and a black midi coat for the occasion, with her hair in a half-updo with her signature loose waves. The princess sheltered from the rain underneath a black umbrella, while Prince William looked smart in a suit and tie.
The couple’s joint appearance is one of a handful they have made since the end of the summer holidays this year. They were not joined by their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who would have been at school.
