Princess Kate and Prince William have unveiled plans to dedicate at least one engagement each month throughout 2026 to celebrating British excellence, from thriving businesses to overlooked community champions.
A palace source confirmed the couple's intentions: "It's really important for the Prince and Princess of Wales to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the UK. There will be a real emphasis in 2026 on showcasing some of the best of Britain."
During a visit to the Isle of Mull in April, Prince William expressed the couple's desire to "spotlight" volunteers and community leaders who serve as the "glue" binding communities together.
The Princess of Wales has been gradually resuming her official duties following a cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment, with her public appearances increasing as her recovery progresses.
Princess Kate and Prince William have unveiled plans to dedicate at least one engagement each month throughout 2026 to celebrating British excellence, from thriving businesses to overlooked community champions.
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Her return has seen a particular focus on Britain's creative industries and manufacturing heritage.
In September, she toured textile producers across Suffolk and Kent, with Kensington Palace describing the visits as a celebration of the British textile industry's rich history and the satisfaction found in creative work.
She subsequently wore a scarf from Sudbury Silk Mills at the US state visit to Windsor.
The following month, the couple travelled to Northern Ireland, where they explored traditional linen-making at a flax farm and visited a family cider orchard.
The initiative will highlight homegrown talent, creativity and skills across the nation.
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This new emphasis on British excellence will sit alongside the couple's established charitable priorities.
The prince has long championed environmental causes through his Earthshot Prize and is working to demonstrate that homelessness can be eliminated through his Homewards initiative.
Kate, meanwhile, continues her advocacy for early childhood development through her dedicated centre.
Both have jointly promoted mental health awareness in recent years.
The Princess of Wales has also increasingly spoken about the value of nature, human connection and face-to-face interaction over screen time.
During a visit to the Isle of Mull in April, Prince William expressed the couple's desire to "spotlight" volunteers and community leaders who serve as the "glue" binding communities together.
|GETTY
Since King Charles ascended to the throne, the couple have taken on more prominent diplomatic responsibilities, with Prince William representing the monarch and government on overseas visits.
Royal patronage of British enterprise follows a tradition established by Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who used their support to boost domestic businesses both at home and internationally.
The Princess Royal, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has continued this approach through extensive engagements across the UK and Commonwealth.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to begin issuing their own royal warrants from spring 2026, following the King and Queen who have already granted theirs for the new reign.
King Charles has been a prominent advocate for heritage crafts, with his King's Foundation training young people in traditional arts, crafts, farming and architecture. He also serves as a longstanding patron of the Campaign for Wool.
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