As Prince William prepares to host the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards in Rio de Janeiro, Princess Kate will remain in the UK, dedicating her time to her family’s significant relocation, her ongoing recovery, and supporting her children during their half-term school break.
The highly anticipated Earthshot Prize Awards are set to dazzle Rio de Janeiro on November 5, with Prince William at the helm, celebrating groundbreaking environmental solutions. However, a notable absence will be that of Princess Kate, who has opted to stay home in the UK. This decision, while marking her third consecutive absence from the annual event, underscores a pivotal period for the Wales family, encompassing health, home, and hands-on parenting.
The Prince of Wales will travel solo to Brazil for his initiative, which “searches the world for environmental solutions that show the greatest potential.” During the ceremony, William, alongside a distinguished prize council, will announce five winners, each receiving a substantial prize of £1 million, or approximately $1.3 million. Following the awards, Prince William will also attend the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on November 6.
A History of Commitment, A Season of Change
Princess Kate has been a visible and vocal supporter of the Earthshot Prize since its inception, joining her husband for the first two awards ceremonies. She was present in London in October 2021 and again in Boston in December 2022, showcasing her commitment to environmental causes alongside Prince William.
However, her attendance record has seen shifts in recent years. In 2023, Kate missed the ceremony in Singapore to support Prince George during his school exams, a decision that resonated with many parents globally. Last year, in 2024, she was absent from the South Africa ceremony as she navigated her private battle with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, remaining largely out of the public eye during her recovery.
The Multifaceted Reasons for Her 2025 Absence
This year, the reasons for Princess Kate’s absence from the Earthshot Prize are a combination of ongoing personal priorities and a significant family transition. These factors collectively illustrate her unwavering focus on her family’s well-being and stability.
Prioritizing Health and Family Life
In January 2025, Princess Kate announced she was in remission from cancer, a welcome update for royal watchers. Her ongoing recovery remains a top priority, as she continues to manage her health while gradually returning to her royal duties. This period of remission is crucial for her long-term well-being.
Beyond her health, the Princess of Wales is dedicated to her role as a hands-on mother to her three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Her absence aligns with their half-term break from Lambrook School, a time when many families prioritize spending time together and creating cherished memories. For the royal family, these breaks offer vital opportunities for normalcy and connection, with Kate previously sharing their love for activities like pressing apples and Prince Louis’s passion for conkers.
A Major Family Relocation: Forest Lodge
Perhaps the most significant factor in Kate’s absence is the family’s imminent move. The Wales family is preparing to transition from their current four-bedroom residence, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, to the larger, eight-bedroom Forest Lodge. This new home, formerly known as Holly Grove, is also located within the sprawling Windsor Great Park estate, suggesting a desire to remain in the area they have come to appreciate for its connection to nature and family activities.
The move to Forest Lodge is not just a change of address; it represents a fresh start and a long-term vision for the family. Reports suggest that Prince William and Princess Kate see Forest Lodge as their “forever home,” a place where they intend to establish their permanent base, even when William eventually accedes to the throne. This strategic move aims to provide stability and a sense of permanence after several challenging years.
The past few years have indeed been “the hardest” for the family, as Prince William himself acknowledged in an interview with Eugene Levy on Apple TV’s “The Reluctant Traveler.” He admitted that “worry or stress around the family side of things does overwhelm me quite a bit… because it’s more personal — it’s more about feeling, it’s more about upsetting the rhythm.” This sentiment highlights the profound impact of recent events, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the dual cancer diagnoses of Kate and King Charles III, who continues to receive treatment at 76 years old. Moving to Forest Lodge is a concerted effort to reset and rebuild their family rhythm.
Prince William’s Engagements in Brazil
While Princess Kate remains in the UK, Prince William’s schedule in Brazil is packed with important engagements. The Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro will feature an impressive list of council members, including Brazilian native Gisele Bündchen, broadcaster and conservationist Sir David Attenborough, actress Cate Blanchett, chef José Andrés, and World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. These global figures underscore the international significance of the environmental initiative.
Following the awards, William’s direct travel to the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on November 6 means his itinerary does not permit a joint return with Kate, further solidifying the practicalities of her staying home during this demanding period for both.
A Relatable Royal Decision
Princess Kate’s decision to prioritize her health, her children’s half-term break, and the significant family move reflects a relatable choice for many. While her role as a senior royal comes with immense public responsibility, her dedication to her family’s private well-being remains paramount. This period marks a crucial juncture for the Wales family, as they settle into their new long-term home and continue to navigate the challenges and joys of their lives.
The Earthshot Prize continues its vital work under Prince William’s leadership, but the understanding from royal observers and fans is clear: sometimes, even for a future Queen, family comes first. The full details of the Earthshot Prize awards in Rio can be found on the official Earthshot Prize website, and more on Kate’s remission was reported by Harper’s Bazaar.
