
After making headlines for missing Royal Ascot last week, Kate Middleton has resumed her royal responsibilities—this time behind the scenes.
Private Meeting with Melinda French Gates
On June 25, the Princess of Wales and Prince William welcomed Melinda French Gates to Windsor Castle, as recorded in The Court Circular, the royal family’s official log of engagements.
The meeting, held under the banner of The Royal Foundation, focused on shared philanthropic interests. The Royal Foundation serves as the central platform for the couple’s work in areas like mental health, early childhood development, and other key causes.

Melinda, a prominent American philanthropist and founder of Pivotal Ventures, was previously co-chair of the Gates Foundation with her former husband, Bill Gates. Pivotal Ventures supports efforts to drive social progress for women in the U.S. and globally.
In 2024, her organization also partnered with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Foundation and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation to launch digital wellness programs for underserved young women in the U.S.