Following her impactful trip to Italy, Kate Middleton may already be turning her attention to her next overseas engagement.
The Princess of Wales is reportedly expected to accompany Prince William to India in November for the 2026 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Mumbai, according to The Mirror. However, a source told PEOPLE that plans are still in the early stages and have not yet been confirmed. The visit could also include what has been described as a “politically sensitive” stop in Delhi.
“The Prince and Princess of Wales stand ready to assist the country however they can,” a royal source said. “The plans are in the early stages, but it promises to be an amazing experience.”
Kate, 44, and William, 43, previously traveled to India and Bhutan in 2016, visiting Mumbai, New Delhi, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. This year marks the sixth Earthshot Prize, created by Prince William to encourage innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Organizers say India, and Mumbai in particular, is well-positioned to lead change across Asia and beyond.
Kate attended the first two award ceremonies in London (2021) and Boston (2022) but missed the past three, held in Singapore, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro. She was undergoing chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis in early 2024 when William traveled to Cape Town for the awards.
“She’s doing really well, thanks,” William told reporters ahead of the ceremony last year. “And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on. She’s been amazing this whole year, and I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success.”
The announcement about a potential India trip comes just a day after Kate returned from a two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, where she highlighted the power of early childhood education and development. A royal aide described the trip as “a really significant moment for her,” noting that it was her first official international engagement since her cancer treatment.
“[This visit] is an important step in The Princess’ recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work,” the aide said. “I think it is only right that her first international trip since her illness is one that is focused on an issue she is committed to championing for decades to come.”
Following her Italy trip, Kate shared a heartfelt message with the public:
“Over the past two days in Reggio Emilia, I have seen firsthand the power of nature and creativity that put human connection at the centre of a child’s world. I have had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here. Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity. Our collective work in early childhood must be to protect and nurture the connections that form the foundations of life-long wellbeing.”
She signed the message, “Grazie di cuore, C,” using the Italian phrase for “Thank you from the heart” and her first initial, Catherine, to underline the personal nature of her note.
