William and Catherine Return to Public Duties with Visit to the Natural History Museum
After a summer mostly away from official duties, the Prince and Princess of Wales have stepped back into the public spotlight with a visit to London’s Natural History Museum. The engagement, which marked the couple’s first since the school holidays ended for their three children, focused on celebrating education, conservation, and the next generation’s role in tackling climate change.
A Rain-Soaked Welcome
The royal couple’s arrival at the museum coincided with a burst of heavy rain, which forced a hasty retreat from the museum’s new gardens. Catherine, ever mindful of the children present, raised her umbrella over them before urging teachers to move everyone inside: “Let them go in, let’s take them inside, it’s pouring.”
Despite the weather, William and Catherine remained cheerful, greeting pupils from Kender Primary School in Lewisham and Co-op Academy Manchester. Both schools are part of the National Education Nature Park programme, a nationwide initiative helping students turn ‘grey’ playgrounds into vibrant green spaces while learning about biodiversity.
Catherine’s Patronage
The visit held particular resonance for Catherine, who has been Patron of the Natural History Museum since 2013. Her ongoing passion for children’s connection to the natural world has shaped much of her work, from the celebrated “Back to Nature” garden she co-designed for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 to her seasonal video messages encouraging families to spend time outdoors.
During the engagement, Their Royal Highnesses explored the Nature Discovery Garden, where students led outdoor learning activities. Catherine and William listened as the children shared how they were transforming their school grounds to encourage wildlife and improve biodiversity.
A Living Laboratory
The museum’s gardens, newly redesigned and opened in 2024, are not only a showcase for visitors but also a living laboratory for the museum’s 400 scientists. They provide one of the most studied urban green spaces in the world, offering insights into how humans and nature can thrive together in cities.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to the Museum gardens today and share how our outdoor galleries are contributing to scientific understanding of urban nature. It was fantastic to introduce them to young people who are making a difference for nature as part of the National Education Nature Park programme, which already has over a quarter of schools in England on board.”
Led by the museum in partnership with the RHS and commissioned by the Department for Education, the programme puts climate and biodiversity at the heart of school life, aiming to inspire children to take meaningful action for the planet.
Looking Ahead
This engagement signals the start of a busy autumn schedule for the Waleses. Later this year, Prince William will travel to Brazil to mark the fifth anniversary of his Earthshot Prize, which rewards environmental innovation on a global scale.
Meanwhile, the Wales family are preparing for a move to Forest Lodge, a larger residence in Windsor Great Park, after two years at Adelaide Cottage. The relocation marks a fresh start following a challenging 18 months in which Catherine faced a cancer diagnosis, making her return to public duties all the more poignant.
Despite the rain-soaked beginning, the day’s visit reflected the couple’s enduring commitment to education, nature, and the well-being of children. For Catherine, especially, the Natural History Museum remains a cornerstone of her patronage work—bridging science, conservation, and the inspiration of young minds.
