Broadway and television star Billy Porter has publicly expressed his admiration for Prince William, revealing a deeply personal and kind gesture the royal made while the actor was battling a life-threatening illness.
A Royal Gesture During a Health Crisis
The 56-year-old American singer and actor, best known for his role in Pose, was hospitalised in September with what was described as a serious case of sepsis. The medical emergency forced him to withdraw from his starring role as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret.
During his recovery, Porter received a unexpected and heartfelt message. Prince William sent him a get-well card after hearing about his illness. The two had previously met and worked together when Porter co-hosted the Earthshot Prize ceremony in South Africa last year.
Speaking to Hello! magazine about the thoughtful act, Porter gushed, "He heard that I was ill and he sent me a get-well card. That's the kind of human being he is." He further elaborated on the Prince's character, adding, "It's a really hard job and it's just effortless to him. His kindness and his presence have no bounds."
Porter's Health Battle and Career Impact
Porter's sepsis diagnosis had significant professional consequences. He was forced to quit the production of Cabaret earlier than scheduled, leading to the show's premature closure. The Tony-winning revival gave its final performance at the August Wilson Theatre on Sunday, September 21, after 18 previews and 592 regular performances.
A statement released at the time and obtained by The New York Times confirmed that while Porter's doctors were confident he would make a full recovery, they advised a restful schedule. Producer Adam Speers of ATG Productions praised Porter's contribution, stating, "Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent. We wish Billy a speedy recovery."
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency where the body's immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection. It requires immediate hospital treatment with antibiotics and IV fluids. Early signs include fever, rapid heart rate, and confusion, with severe cases potentially escalating to fatal septic shock.
Past Praise for Meghan Markle
This is not the first time Porter has spoken positively about the Royal Family. In 2020, he shared kind words about Meghan Markle in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Commenting on Harry and Meghan's move to America, he said, "I like that. He marrying a black girl. She was like 'We don't need that money, we been here before'. I love it. She took him right on with her. I love her for it. I love her."
In a 2021 revelation, Billy Porter shared that he has been living with HIV since 2007. He described the shame he felt for years, linked to his religious upbringing, but explained that speaking his truth has been a healing experience. Porter is an acclaimed performer, having earned an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
