Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has been closely associated with the Natural History Museum in London for several years. As a patron of the museum, her involvement emphasizes her passion for nature and wildlife conservation. Over the years, she has attended numerous events at the museum, demonstrating her support for its educational initiatives and scientific research.
In April 2013, it was announced that Catherine would become the official patron of the Natural History Museum. One of her most notable appearances at the museum was in October when she attended the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Catherine is known for her keen interest in photography, so her attendance at this event showcased her appreciation for art that highlights the beauty and fragility of wildlife.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is billed as the world’s most prestigious nature photography event. Catherine’s pastel blue dress, designed by Jenny Packham, was described as “pale jade” in an Instagram post shared during the evening. Packham also confirmed that the dress is a bespoke piece. Catherine’s new pink clutch bag was by another one of her go-to designers, Alexander McQueen. The princess also wore a new necklace and earring set by designer Monica Vinader.
In July 2017, Catherine visited the museum’s Sensational Butterflies exhibition. During the visit, she showed a playful side while interacting with the children present and exploring the outdoor exhibition. The visit was part of her efforts to engage with children’s education about the environment and biodiversity.
In October 2019, Catherine officially opened the museum’s new Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity, which aims to support research on British wildlife and promote citizen science. During her visit, she met with young people who had participated in the museum’s programs, highlighting the museum’s educational reach and her focus on engaging the next generation in environmental stewardship.
In July 2017, the Princess of Wales joined Sir David Attenborough to unveil the new blue whale skeleton. Catherine wore a pale blue dress for the glittering gala, and although she was seen without any extravagant jewelry or a tiara, she still managed to steal the show. Her gown, a stretch crepe dress by designer Thornton Bregazzi, was complemented by scalloped suede sandals by Prada. She also opted for youthful open-toed high-heeled shoes and carried a purple clutch purse.
One standout moment was in October 2018, when the royal mom visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to preview some of the 800,000 images in the new Photography Centre of the museum. After opting for a royal rewear earlier in the week, Catherine wore a new off-the-shoulder fitted tweed dress by Erdem that featured a deep purple belt, button detailing, and a flared skirt. She accessorized with matching Jimmy Choo velvet heels and a clutch, styling her hair in her signature blowout. She also wore $1,220 crystal and pearl-embellished hoop earrings from Erdem.
Catherine returned to royal duty last week after being on maternity leave since the birth of Prince Louis in April. The event marks the first time she has visited the museum in an official capacity since becoming its first royal patron in March.
Catherine’s patronage and frequent visits to the Natural History Museum have showcased her commitment to environmental causes, particularly focusing on biodiversity conservation and inspiring children to engage with nature. Her efforts align with her broader goals of raising awareness about mental health, early childhood education, and the importance of spending time outdoors.
By supporting institutions like the Natural History Museum, Catherine continues to play a significant role in promoting awareness and inspiring both the public and future generations to appreciate and protect the natural world.