The news that both King Charles and Princess Kate were to undergo cancer treatment came as major blows to the public and even more so for the royal family – especially, Prince William.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was left with the responsibility of supporting his wife as well as his father and monarch, making it no surprise that he has deemed the past year of his life as the most difficult yet.
He has opened up about the past year in a new interview. It’s also been announced that Kate will attend Remembrance Day events this weekend.
Prince William news
Speaking to reporters at the end of his visit to South Africa, Prince William opened up about how he managed after Princess Kate and his father were both diagnosed with cancer.
In a candid admission, as reported by BBC, Prince William stated: “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”
In February, it was announced that King Charles had cancer and just six weeks later, Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis was also shared with the world.
The King has since returned to public duties and Kate has finished chemotherapy treatment.
Prince William went on to gush: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.
“But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.
Royal author Robert Hardman recently told the BBC’s Today programme that William’s vulnerable admission was part of the royals efforts of “resetting the dial” on their public image.
“It’s been a hell of a year – there he (William) is on the one hand helping his wife through a very serious illness, and he’s also expected to stand in for his father who is suffering from cancer,” Hardman stated.
“He’s been holding the fort throughout all this.”
Royals news
The Prince of Wales has been in South Africa for his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony. Earlier this week, five projects each won £1m in prize money for their environmental innovations.
When questioned about his role as Prince of Wales and both the freedom and responsibilities that come with it, Prince William mused: “It’s a tricky one. Do I like more responsibility? No. Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot then yes. And that’s the future for me. It’s very important with my role and my platform, that I’m doing something for good.
“That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something that is genuinely meaningful.”
Princess Kate to attend Remembrance Day events
Elsewhere, fresh reports state that Princess Kate is set to attend two Remembrance Day events this weekend.
Buckingham Palace announced today, November 8, that Kate would attend both the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday.
Officials also said the Queen’s appearance at the events would depend on medical advice nearer the time.
Queen Camilla was forced to pull out of engagements earlier this week due to suffering from a chest infection.
A palace spokesperson said earlier this week that “with great regret, Her Majesty has had to withdraw from her engagements for this week” due to her illness.
They added that the Queen “very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal”.
“She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” they added.
Prince William faces backlash over Earthshot awards ceremony appearance
It comes after William’s appearance at the star-studded Earthshot ceremony divided royal fans.
Some people thought he looked too causal for the event. One person said on X: “I love #PrinceWilliam desperately, but he needs to up his wardrobe. You’re dashing, Your Royal Highness, up the wardrobe a bit.”
Another wrote: “They all look very smart except Prince William. What is going on?”
A third commented: “Why is Prince William so casual… sneakers?!?!?”
William sported a grey blazer, blue shirt and navy trousers. He finished the look with a casual pair of white trainers.
Read more: Prince William sparks unexpected backlash over appearance as he attends Earthshot Prize awards
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