Kate to join Prince William in Mumbai on first long-haul trip since cancer diagnosis

Three days in Mumbai

Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Princess of Wales will accompany Prince William on his visit to India, which starts on Monday, 16 November. The couple will spend three days in Mumbai at events the palace describes as celebrating innovation, sustainability, youth leadership and the ties between the United Kingdom and India. Planned activities include meeting Bollywood stars, celebrating India's passion for cricket and exploring its film industry. The centrepiece is the Earthshot Prize awards night on Tuesday evening, 17 November. William founded the prize in 2020, and each year its five winning projects receive one million pounds apiece to expand their work. Kate is 44, as is William.

Kate's return to long-haul travel

Kate was diagnosed with cancer in March 2024 and completed chemotherapy, and her treatment is now finished, although the type of cancer has never been disclosed. She was declared in remission the following January. Her first overseas trip after treatment was a two-day visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy in May, a fact-finding stop on early years teaching. Her last Earthshot ceremony was in Boston in December 2022, and the couple's last overseas tour, to the Caribbean in March 2022, drew criticism over images that some described as smacking of colonialism. The Mumbai trip is her first long-haul overseas visit since she announced her diagnosis. William said in an interview earlier this year that she was "edging herself back" into overseas visits, adding that royal trips take their toll.

Public support for the couple

The latest YouGov popularity poll found that 58% of Britons hold a positive view of King Charles. William and Kate both score between 72% and 74% positive. The couple's popularity has helped the institution weather scandals, including those around the former prince Andrew, who is now shunned and removed from the Crown. Kate's presence gives the trip extra interest, since the couple attract strong interest abroad, especially in Commonwealth countries.

Ties with India and the guest list

India has been one of London's key partners since its independence in 1947, and the visit is intended to strengthen bilateral ties. Organisers expect the Earthshot ceremony to be the most attended yet, according to La Vanguardia. The guest list includes cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actors Alia Bhatt and Rami Malek, and the band Take That, which will give its first performance in India. Beyond the awards, the couple will attend events on Indian culture, with a particular focus on cricket, fashion and cinema.