In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton promised to support each other through all of life’s challenges. Thirteen years later, Kate has needed her husband’s support more than ever. In March, after months of speculation about her health, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.
Adding to the royal family’s health challenges, King Charles III has also been battling an unspecified type of cancer. Until his return to public duties in April, Prince William became the highest-ranking public face of the monarchy.
“It’s a tough time for him,” royals correspondent Sharon Carpenter sausage “His wife is recovering, he has three children, and his own responsibilities.” Despite the difficulties, Carpenter noted, “the royals are very good at keeping calm and carrying on, no matter what’s going on behind closed doors.”
Prince William, turning 42 on June 21, has been quietly stepping up, taking breaks from official duties since January to be with Kate and their children, Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6).
On June 15, Kate and the kids made their first public appearance since Christmas at Trooping the Colour, the monarch’s official birthday celebration. Royal expert Katie Nicholl called it a “wonderful surprise,” noting, “As the King and the Princess of Wales have gone through this cancer journey together, they’ve been supporting each other behind the scenes. This is the ultimate show of support.”
The family also joined Charles and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony, marking their first appearance together since last year’s Trooping the Colour, offering a glimpse into the state of the royal family.