A private Windsor Castle meeting is revealed
Princess Kate Middleton privately met philanthropist Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle on June 23, 2026, according to a new entry in The Court Circular. The official record of royal engagements noted that the Princess of Wales welcomed French Gates in her role as Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Even though the meeting was not publicly announced, its entry in the royal record confirmed that the two women spent time together discussing issues related to their charitable work. The Princess Kate Middleton shares leadership of the Royal Foundation with Prince William, using the organization to support several social causes in the United Kingdom.
Court Circular
Kensington Palace
23rd June, 2026The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning received Ms Melinda French Gates (Founder, Pivotal) at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/Wl0l3JyXJs
— Anna (@tokkianami) June 23, 2026
“The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning received Ms. Melinda French Gates (Founder, Pivotal) at Windsor Castle,” Kensington Palace revealed.
Philanthropic work was likely the focus of the discussion
The Royal Foundation focuses on several key areas, including conservation, early childhood development, emergency responders, homelessness, and mental health. Melinda French Gates attended the meeting as founder of Pivotal, an organization she launched in 2015 to advance opportunities for women and the youth through philanthropy, advocacy, and investments. Her work has become an important focus since leaving the Gates Foundation in 2024. In addition, the philanthropist has repeatedly spoken about the importance of using wealth to create meaningful change. In an interview published in 2025, she said she believes resources should be given away thoughtfully and in ways that can have the greatest impact on society.
“I believe the only responsible thing to do with these resources is to give it away — as thoughtfully and impactfully as possible,” she affirmed in 2025. “One of my core values has always been to whom much is given, much is expected.”
The meeting continues an ongoing relationship
The Windsor Castle gathering was not the first time Kate and Melinda met. In June 2025, the Princess of Wales and Prince William also welcomed Melinda French Gates to Windsor Castle, where they represented the Royal Foundation and Pivotal, respectively. The latest meeting suggests an ongoing shared interest in addressing social challenges. Although details of their conversation were not disclosed, the involvement of both foundations hints at continued efforts for philanthropy, community support, and improving opportunities for future generations.
