Prince William Lands Spot on TIME’s 2026 Climate List Days Before Earthshot Ceremony
Six years after launching Earthshot, Prince William has received a major TIME honour that puts his environmental work alongside global climate leaders.
Prince William has had his hands full with the Earthshot Prize, a project he has been particularly invested in over the years. His work on the environmental front has now caught some major attention, and there's a new honor to add to his name.
Six years after launching the initiative, William has reached another milestone with Earthshot. The future King made the cut alongside 99 other influential figures from around the world featured in TIME's 2026 climate list. The publication recognized his efforts and thanked him for accelerating “existing [environmental] solutions in the hopes of spurring a positive tipping point for change.”
The figures behind the initiative offer a glimpse of the work its finalists are doing. According to TIME, their collective efforts have helped prevent or capture more than 18 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Earthshot has also helped protect or restore 143 million acres of land, forests, and freshwater systems, highlighting the scale of the environmental work supported by the program.
Kate has also been part of the Earthshot journey, joining William to host its inaugural ceremony in London in 2021 and returning alongside him for the 2022 event in Boston. Outside the initiative, she has focused on causes that highlight the connection between spending time outdoors and supporting mental well-being, including organizations that use nature to build emotional resilience.
However, this isn't William's first time receiving recognition from TIME. He and Kate were previously included in the publication's list of influential people in philanthropy, but this marks his first appearance on its climate list. King Charles and Harry have both received recognition in the climate category in earlier editions.
Harry's inclusion came in 2024, when he was named in the "Titans" category for founding Travalyst, a nonprofit platform that provides travelers with information on the environmental impact of their trips, including emissions data. Meanwhile, Charles appeared on the 2025 list for plans to make Sandringham Estate solar-powered and for founding the Sustainable Markets Initiative.
The recognition comes just days before the next Earthshot Prize ceremony, which will be held in Mumbai on November 17. William is expected to attend, while Kate's attendance remains unconfirmed. William has also been stepping up efforts to promote the initiative ahead of this year's awards, making a surprise appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
