Prince William is set for a high-profile trip to Mumbai next month as the 2026 Earthshot Prize ceremony draws closer. The Prince of Wales, 44, will attend a two-day summit that ends with the awards night on 17 November. Organizers have already named several major stars for the ceremony, but one royal question still dominates chatter around the occasion: whether the Princess of Wales will join him. Her attendance has not been confirmed, yet speculation continues as the presenter lineup takes shape and more names are still expected.
Rami Malek and Alia Bhatt Join Presenter Lineup
The first confirmed presenters include actor Rami Malek, actresses Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor, and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. They are expected to help hand out prizes across five categories: Revive our Oceans, Fix our Climate, Build a Waste-Free World, Protect and Restore Nature, and Clean our Air. According to Hello Magazine, the official website also notes that more stars are still “to be announced.” That detail has fueled fresh talk that Princess Kate could yet be added to the bill for the Mumbai ceremony.
Princess Kate Has a Strong Earthshot History
If the Princess of Wales does attend, it would mark another chapter in her long connection to the awards. She appeared at the inaugural ceremony in London in 2021 and presented the final prize of the night to Costa Rica in the Protect and Restore Nature category. She also returned in Boston in 2022, where she joined a celebrity-heavy lineup that included Rami Malek, Catherine O’Hara and Shailene Woodley. During her earlier appearance, she delivered a rare public speech focused on the need for environmental action.
Mumbai Trip Would Mark Major Royal Milestone
A joint overseas appearance by William and Kate would carry extra significance. The couple have not traveled abroad together on official duty since her cancer diagnosis in 2024. Their last overseas work trip as a pair came in June 2023, when they attended Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s wedding in Jordan. In May, Kate made a solo visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy, her first international trip since her recovery period began. That visit raised hopes that a longer journey to South Asia could now be possible.
Karan Johar and Global Stars Set for 17 November
The event itself is shaping up as a major international gathering. Filmmaker and television host Karan Johar will host the ceremony in Mumbai, while the Prize Council includes Queen Rania of Jordan, Cate Blanchett, Gisele Bündchen and chef José Andrés. Earthshot ambassadors Robert Irwin and Nomzamo Mbatha are also involved, with Shreya Ghoshal and Simone Ashley listed as performers. "Every year, our Finalists give me renewed optimism," William said according to Hello Magazine. His message underlines the climate-focused mission behind the awards as anticipation builds for November.
