Prince William and Kate Middleton have been named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential philanthropists, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent from this year’s list.
The Prince and Princess of Wales earned a place on Time’s prestigious 2025 Time100 Philanthropy list, which celebrates “the 100 most influential people shaping the future of giving at a pivotal moment.” The magazine commended William and Kate for “modernising royal philanthropy.”
“Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues,” Time noted, highlighting their dedication to addressing issues such as homelessness, mental health, and environmental sustainability.
The magazine also praised the couple’s strategic approach to charity work: “Crucial to the Waleses’ approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach.”
In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not make the list this year, despite having been included in 2021. That year, they were featured on the cover of the magazine’s issue celebrating the world’s most influential people.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have focused on private initiatives, often describing themselves as “shaping the future through business and philanthropy” on their website. However, their absence from the current list suggests a shift in how their influence in philanthropy is perceived.
Prince William was recognised in particular for the Earthshot Prize, now in its fifth year of a ten-year plan. Launched in 2020, the initiative commits £50 million to supporting inventive solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Kate Middleton was also acknowledged for her focus on early childhood development. Her recent efforts include the Shaping Us campaign and the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, designed to encourage employers to prioritise early development and family care in the workplace.
Other notable names on this year’s list include David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Melinda French Gates, Dolly Parton, and Michael Sheen.
