Innovators: Prince William and the Princess of Wales have been championed by Time100 for their charity efforts
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have been hailed as ‘innovators’ by Time100 for their joint efforts in forging a ‘modern royal agenda’. The publication included the couple in their list of the Most Influential People in Philanthropy for 2025, which aims to highlight the ‘people and ideas shaping the future of giving’.
Praising the future king and queen for their commitment to social innovation over royal tradition, TIME reporter Harry Booth said: ‘Crucial to the Waleses’ approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach.’
This recognition comes after a year that saw Prince William decide to ‘do it differently’ when it comes to royal charity work. Speaking during this Earthshot Award summit in South Africa last November, the Prince of Wales said: ‘I can only describe what I’m trying to do, and that’s I’m trying to do it differently and I’m trying to do it for my generation.’ Explaining that he wanted to conduct his duties with a ‘smaller R in royal’, the Prince of Wales added that he wanted to cut back on pomp and circumstance and focus more on effecting genuine change.
‘It’s more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people,’ the Prince told reporters. ‘And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people’s lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.’
Through the Royal Foundation, the Prince and Princess of Wales’s charity, the couple have focused their philanthropic efforts on climate action, ending mental health stigma and homelessness, and early years education.