NEED TO KNOW
The Princess of Wales quietly met Melinda French Gates at Pivotal’s London offices on Oct. 8
Their discussion focused on helping young people build well-being, belonging and social-emotional skills
The Royal Foundation and Pivotal plan to explore practical ways to expand their work together
Kate Middleton and Melinda French Gates quietly met up in London this month.
On Oct. 27, Kensington Palace released a new photo showing an Oct. 8 meeting between the Princess of Wales, 44, and the billionaire philanthropist, 62, in England’s capital city. The snap showed the women smiling as they stood in a room with others, with Princess Kate sporting a suit while French Gates wore a burgundy dress.
Christian Guy, executive director of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, shared more about the under-the-radar gathering on LinkedIn. He explained that The Royal Foundation, the charitable organization Princess Kate shares with Prince William, would be partnering with French Gates and her organization, Pivotal, in the coming months to explore ways to help young people thrive. French Gates, who was previously married to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, founded Pivotal in 2015 to advance social progress for women and young people through philanthropy, investments and advocacy.
Kate Middleton and Melinda French Gates at the Kensington Palace on Oct. 8, 2026.
Credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
“What gave the session particular energy was a shared belief that while today’s children face considerable challenges, they also carry extraordinary potential,” Guy wrote. “With supportive relationships, a sense of belonging and opportunities to discover who they are and what they might contribute, every young person can build the confidence, resilience and sense of purpose they need for the future.”
He added, “We are so grateful for the vision, ambition and commitment that both The Princess and Melinda bring to this work. Their leadership reflects a belief that change is possible, and that investing in the healthy development of children and young people is one of the most powerful investments we can make for our world today and tomorrow. Over the coming months, partnering with Melinda and Pivotal, we will be exploring how The Royal Foundation might build on this work in practical ways.
At a time of division, disconnection and uncertainty, it has never been more important to help young people build the foundations for life.”
Kate Middleton visits addiction-recovery charity The Forward Trust in Southend, England on Sept. 24, 2026.
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
French Gates previously spoke with PEOPLE about how Pivotal’s work supports women, families and young people.
“The organizations we support have removed so many barriers holding back women and families,” she said in an exclusive April 2025 interview. “They’re making caregivers’ lives easier. They’re helping young people find mental health services that work for them. They’re getting more women into positions of power.”
Melinda French Gates speaks at the SheBelieves Summit in Seattle on April 15, 2026.
Credit: Ali Gradischer/USSF/Getty
The latest get-together follows a similar meeting between Princess Kate and French Gates at Windsor Castle on June 23. The pair’s connection stretches back to at least June 25, 2025, when French Gates met with both William and Kate at Windsor Castle. That meeting marked the princess’s return to work behind closed doors after she missed Royal Ascot the previous week while balancing her return to public duties following cancer treatment.
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