The Princess of Wales wears a sentimental watch ‘from Prince William’ for meeting with Melinda French Gates

The Princess of Wales wore a sentimental accessory for her surprise meeting with Melinda French Gates in London. Catherine, who joined forces with the philanthropist and ex-wife of Bill Gates to discuss their ‘shared belief’ in helping young people.

At the offices of Melinda’s Pivotal group on 8 October, the Princess of Wales discussed the importance of social progress among women and the philanthropic potential of collaborating with The Royal Foundation to help the next generation flourish.

‘We are so grateful for the vision, ambition and commitment that both The Princess and Melinda bring to this work,’ said Christian Guy, the Executive Director of the Royal Foundation for Early Childhood. ‘Their leadership reflects a belief that change is possible, and that investing in the healthy development of children and young people is one of the most powerful investments we can make for our world today and tomorrow.’

The future queen pulled an ensemble from her own archives for the meeting, wearing a Zara double-breasted blazer with a Joseph tank top, Gianvito Rossi ankle boots and a belt from Victoria Beckham. She completed her look with her dazzling sapphire engagement ring and a less-often-seen watch from Cartier, which is said to have been a gift from Prince William.

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is a cherished accessory in Catherine’s collection, with blue hands that perfectly accentuate the mammoth stone of her engagement ring (dubbed ‘Big Blue’ by royal fans for its sheer size). According to People, the watch was a present from Prince William to mark the couple’s third wedding anniversary in 2014, while they were on an official tour of Australia as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

While the watch is not as regularly seen as some of the Princess of Wales’ more staple accessories (her ring stack, for example, or her beloved Cartier Trinity earrings), it has become a treasured addition to her day-to-day jewels ever since. From the royal box at Wimbledon to interviews on Mike Tindall’s ‘The Good, The Bad & The Rugby’ podcast or her recent official visit to Italy, Catherine is sure to carry around the timepiece as a reminder of her enduring bond with the Prince of Wales.

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Yesterday, the future queen shared a sweet insight into her family life with a previously unseen picture of the Waleses gathering to support her Three Peaks Challenge this Summer. The sweet snapshot, starring the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, was from the day that Catherine submitted the nation’s three highest peaks to raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she underwent chemotherapy.

‘On Mountain Rescue Awareness Day, we send our heartfelt thanks to all those who volunteer their time and expertise to keep people safe in some of our most beautiful but challenging landscapes,’ the royal couple wrote.

‘Through our connection with this remarkable organisation, we have seen first-hand the dedication, professionalism and compassion that define their work.’

The Princess of Wales then reflected on meeting with the local mountain rescue teams who helped her during her Three Peaks Challenge this summer, which saw her climb the three tallest mountains in the country in 24 hours to raise money and awareness for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she underwent chemotherapy treatment.

‘Meeting local mountain rescue teams during the Three Peaks Challenge this summer was an opportunity to say thank you in person for the vital role they play in keeping walkers and climbers safe on the mountains all year round,’ the caption read.

‘We are incredibly proud to support the extraordinary volunteers who respond in all conditions, often at a moment’s notice, to help others when they need it most. To everyone across the mountain rescue community, thank you for your unwavering commitment, courage and service.’

The message was signed off ‘W&C’, indicating that the message was written by Prince William and Catherine themselves.