Kate, Princess of Wales, unveils nature-and-children project and attends Oman state visit
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The gist
Kate, the Princess of Wales, released photos and a video announcing a new project combining early childhood development and nature.
The project launches next year, as Kate returns to royal duties after cancer treatment.
Background
Kate, the Princess of Wales, is 44 and a mother of three with her husband Prince William; in 2021 she launched the Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood as the hub of her early-years work. She has gradually returned to royal duties after announcing in September 2024 that she had completed chemotherapy and in January 2025 that she was in remission. The new photos and video, shot by photographer Josh Shinner in Cornwall, present her latest focus: linking children's access to nature with healthy development. The release came a day after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first official joint UK appearance since moving back in August.
How it unfolded
- 2021Kate launched the Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood as the hub of her early childhood development work.
- Sep 2024Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy.
- Jan 2025The princess announced she was in remission.
- Oct 15, 2026Photographer Josh Shinner took a photo of Kate in Cornwall, England, released by Kensington Palace.
- Oct 16, 2026Kensington Palace released new photos and a video of Kate announcing a project combining early childhood development and nature, bringing together academics, early years practitioners, charities and environmental organizations.
- Oct 20, 2026Kate joined Prince William to help King Charles and Queen Camilla host Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman for his state visit at Windsor Castle, wearing Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara and a yellow Elie Saab gown.
- Oct 21, 2026Kensington Palace shared a black-and-white portrait of Prince William and Kate from the Oman state visit, taken at Frogmore House.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Kensington Palace said the project will bring together academics, early years practitioners, charities and environmental organizations to better understand how children's access to nature can support healthy social and emotional development.
- Expert
- Former royal butler Grant Harrold said he believes Kate wears the tiara to keep her late mother-in-law's memory alive, making a conscious effort to incorporate elements of Diana during her time as Princess of Wales.