Prince William and Cate Blanchett attend event - but where was Princess Kate?

Prince William and Oscar winner Cate Blanchett attended an official event together - but Princess Kate was nowhere to be seen.

Prince William and Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett visited a laboratory together to promote an environmental cause.

The Prince of Wales and the Australian star were given a tour of Colorifix, a company that uses technology to create natural dyes, reducing the use of water and harmful chemicals that are used by the fashion industry.

Colorifix became a 2023 Earthshot Prize Finalist for its innovative use of DNA sequencing and the vibrant colours already found in nature, and has partnered with major fashion brands including H&M and Vollebak.

Prince William chats with Earthshot Prize Council member Cate Blanchett during a visit to Earthshot Prize Finalist, Colorifix. Picture: AFP

The pair appeared to delight in the visit. Picture: Getty Images

Blanchett is part of the leadership team for the Earthshot Prize, which is Prince William’s 10-year program to find solutions for some of the planet’s environmental problems.

Colorifix, is located in the city of Norwich, not far from William’s country home, Anmer Hall, in nearby Norfolk.

Colorifix, a UK based company, creates sustainable dye for clothing in Norwich, England. Picture: AP

The visit came a day after Prince William, 42, attended the Royal Ascot horse race meeting, without his wife Princess Catherine, 43, who had to dip out as she continues to manage her recovery from cancer.

Prince William and the Lord of the Rings star were shown how DNA sequencing is used to find specific colours in nature, which are then transferred to a dye house to grow the colour by fermentation.

Cate Blanchett rocks a pair of pink-framed lab glasses. Picture: AFP

Most dyes used today are synthetic, and made through chemical processes derived from petrochemicals using various compounds and additives in a reactor.

Natural dyes, traditionally derived from plants and animals, are less common in large-scale industrial applications due to factors like cost and consistency.

Prince William is following in his father King Charles’ passion for the environment. Picture: Getty Images

But William and Cate were shown how Colorifix identifies the DNA code that produces pigments, and a dyeing process that saves water, energy, and carbon emissions.

While Blanchett is known for her striking fashion sense, both she and the Prince of Wales wore lab coats for the tour.

Colorifix became a 2023 Earthshot Prize Finalist for its innovative use of DNA sequencing. Picture: Getty Images

Blanchett is part of the leadership team for the Earthshot Prize. Picture: AFP

Blanchett previously joined Prince William and other backers of the Earthshot Prize at its third awards evening in Singapore in 2023.

Prince William has followed in his father King Charles’s footsteps and is a keen environmentalist, founding the Earthshot Prize in 2021.

The initiative aims to tackle climate change between 2021 and 2030 harnessing entrepreneurial spirit.

Originally published as Prince William and Cate Blanchett attend event - but where was Princess Kate?