Royal family members have put on the bravest of faces in recent days, continuing with their public duty as normal, despite knowing that the Princess of Wales would make her announcement about her cancer diagnosis today.
On Friday afternoon, Kate, 42, addressed speculation about her health in a video, saying that she had been undergoing preventative chemotherapy in recent weeks after tests following her abdominal surgery found that ‘cancer had been present’.
Speculation about Prince William’s wife’s health has mounted to fever pitch in recent weeks.
A sighting of Kate, walking by William’s side at a Windsor farm shop, filmed by a local resident, had served to allay concerns and today’s video address, filmed earlier this week, will come as a shock to many.
The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed that she’s been diagnosed with cancer following tests after her abdominal surgery in January
Strain: William has continued with his public duties this week knowing his wife was due to make a public announcement about her cancer diagnosis. William pictured on March 19th, he travelled to Sheffield to speak to families who have experienced homelessness first-hand
In a video address aired today at 6pm, the Princess told the British public she’s in good spirits and now focused on her recovery from the illness, saying: ‘Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.
‘As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.’
During his wife’s treatment, Prince William, 41, has continued to bravely undertake public duties, missing just one major event, the memorial service to Greece’s King Constantine II in Windsor three weeks ago, in recent months.
On Tuesday, despite knowing the announcement would likely be made this week, he was cheered as he returned to royal duties.
His Royal Highness joined a meeting of local landlords, convened by Homewards, to discuss how they can work together to end family homelessness on Tuesday
A Prince’s compassion: The Princess of Wales said in her video, filmed in Windsor on Wednesday, that having ‘William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too’ (The Prince pictured with a nurse in Sheffield on Tuesday)
The Prince of Wales ploughed on with the day job in Sheffield to further his aim to help end homelessness in Britain in the next five years.
A stoic William waved to crowds and spoke to families who have experienced homelessness while visiting the city, which is one of six locations for his Homewards initiative, which he set up in 2023.
Later, the heir to the throne met community representatives and grassroots organisations taking part in a workshop to help design a new housing project in South Yorkshire.
On Tuesday, Queen Camilla met members of the public as she visited Douglas Borough Council on the Isle of Man
And on Wednesday, the 76-year-old royal travelled to Northern Ireland to meet First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill (left) and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly, right
King Charles III, himself undergoing treatment for cancer, pictured arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday
Elsewhere, it was a similar story. On Wednesday, Queen Camilla met crowds of well-wishers on a visit to the Isle of Man.
The Queen, 76, greeted people outside Douglas Borough Council on Wednesday after presenting a letters patent, officially conferring city status on Douglas.
Crowds gathered to meet the Queen after she unveiled a City Hall plaque, waving flags, handing her bouquets of flowers and shaking hands.
The Princess Royal with Commander ARRC Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse during her visit to the headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps on March 22, 2024
The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh stepped in for King Charles III earlier this week and hosted a reception for Korean war veterans
After leaving the borough council, the Queen took an eight-minute drive to Government House in Onchan, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and his family, where she met community groups including the swimming club the Manx Bluetits and the RNLI, which was formed on the island.
And on Wednesday, the King’s wife travelled to Northern Ireland for a two-day tour.
Camilla attended an event hosted by The Queen’s Reading Room to mark World Poetry Day at Hillsborough Castle, meeting with First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly in Belfast.
On Wednesday, the Duchess of Edinburgh met patient Astrid Walker, two, during a visit to the Paediatric Neurosciences Ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital
And today, the Princess Royal, almost certainly aware of the gravity of Kate’s condition and tonight’s forthcoming announcement, also continued with a business as usual approach.
The royal met senior Army officers as she opened a new accommodation block named after a war hero.
Anne, 73, unveiled a plaque naming the new officers’ accommodation at the Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, after Colonel James Carne. Col Carne had been the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment during the Korean War in 1951.
The king’s sister has undertaken more engagements this week, covering for Charles at a reception for Korean War Veterans.
The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh joined forces as they chatted with attendees at Buckingham Palace in central London.
Despite King Charles’ physical absence, the monarch added a personal touch to the reception and delivered a message via Anne.
Charles explained that his absence from the event has made him feel ‘disappointed’ and ‘frustrated’ but is ‘most grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for standing in.’
Sophie, 59, an increasingly key senior royal, also visited the Paediatric Neurosciences Ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital on Wednesday.
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