Everything hinges on Kate Middleton’s well-being for Prince William as he carries the family’s pain. With Kate Middleton and King Charles both undergoing cancer treatment, Prince William must balance family matters with an elevated leadership role within the monarchy. “Whether you’re a prince or a pauper, no one would expect anything like this, with his father and his wife both being treated for cancer,” a royal insider tells People exclusively in this week’s cover story.
The Prince of Wales, 41, has resumed public duties after taking time off to spend time with his wife and their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Immediately following the news of her cancer diagnosis, publicly announced on March 22nd, his primary focus remains steadfastly on supporting Princess Kate, 42.
“For William, everything hinges on Kate’s well-being,” says royal biographer Ingrid Seward, author of “My Mother and I.” Throughout their 13-year marriage, The Prince and Princess of Wales have prioritized private time with George, Charlotte, and Louis, routinely clearing their public schedule during school breaks and taking part in school drop-offs and pickups rather than always leaving the task to a nanny.
“Now, their family-first mantra is more important than ever. William is prioritizing giving her all the time she needs to get better and the support, particularly to the children,” says a close source, adding longtime royal biographer Robert Lacey. “From what we know of their personal lives, for William and Kate, spending time with their children is the most precious and enjoyable thing they can do.”
It was just one year ago, at King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation on May 6th, 2023, that Prince William, as heir to the throne, knelt before his father and recited a vow known as the homage of Royal Blood. However, he likely had no idea how soon he would need to step into his Royal Destiny and become the face of the royal family amid King Charles and Kate’s cancer news. Despite the shock, the Prince of Wales has continued to bring cheer to his royal engagements, like telling one of Princess Charlotte’s favorite jokes during his April 25th school visit focused on mental health initiatives.
He reassured the public when asked by a well-wisher about Princess Kate and the children following his visit to the charity James’s Place in Newcastle on April 30th, saying, “We’re all doing well, thank you.”
The double illness has placed enormous pressure on William, both as a parent and inheritor of the family business, says Lacey. “It has brought all kinds of challenges. He has handled it with calmness and lack of drama.”