Prince William and Kate Middleton have received a prestigious nod from Time magazine, earning a coveted spot on the 2025 Time100 Philanthropy list. Recognized for their forward-thinking approach to royal charity work, the Prince and Princess of Wales were celebrated as pioneers in “modernising royal philanthropy.”
The May 20 announcement applauded the royal couple for addressing urgent social issues, including mental health awareness, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. Time highlighted their ability to bridge traditional royal duties with impactful, modern philanthropic strategies.
“Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues,” wrote Time, signaling a shift in the monarchy’s priorities.
Earthshot and Early Childhood Initiatives Take Center Stage
Among their standout achievements is Prince William’s Earthshot Prize — a global initiative dedicated to tackling climate change. Now in its fifth year, the project has committed £50 million in grants to support innovative solutions aimed at healing the planet.
Kate Middleton was praised for her deep investment in early childhood development. Her Shaping Us campaign and the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood are reshaping how businesses and communities support young families, positioning her as a leading voice in early education and family wellbeing.
Royal Recognition — With a Notable Absence
While William and Kate received global acclaim for their philanthropic efforts, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were noticeably missing from this year’s Time100 Philanthropy list. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were featured in Time’s 2021 list for their charitable ventures and media work, did not make a return this year.
The omission has sparked conversation about the evolving roles within the royal family — and who’s truly leading the way in meaningful, measurable change.
A New Chapter in Royal Influence
As William and Kate continue to focus on modern causes and strategic philanthropic impact, their presence on the 2025 Time100 Philanthropy list signals a strong endorsement of their leadership. It also subtly repositions the spotlight within the royal family — from celebrity-style branding to long-term societal impact.
With growing recognition for their work, the Prince and Princess of Wales are redefining what it means to be modern royals — not just in name, but in meaningful action.
