Prince William appeared to be struggling with the weight of personal challenges during a charity event in Sheffield, just days before his wife Kate Middleton publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis, according to a royal expert. The Prince of Wales attended the event on Tuesday to promote his Homewards project, which aims to end homelessness in the UK, while privately coping with the news of Kate's illness.
Royal correspondent Rebecca English noted that William looked like he had 'the weight of the world on his shoulders' at the event, with 'a slight sadness around the eyes and, noticeably, a loss of weight.' The event came one day before Kate recorded her televised video message with the BBC on Wednesday, in which she announced she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after doctors discovered cancer during post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in January.
In her emotional address, filmed in Windsor, Kate said she was 'well and getting stronger every day' and praised William's support, stating: 'Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.' The couple have prioritised protecting their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, with the announcement timed for after they broke up for the Easter holidays.
William has continued to fulfil royal duties amid the health crises of both his wife and his father, King Charles, who is also being treated for cancer. English praised his dedication, saying: 'How remarkable that he has even been able to do half of what he has undertaken publicly in recent months – even carrying out investitures for his cancer-stricken father – given everything that has been going on behind the scenes.'
The Prince of Wales is expected to continue balancing his official engagements with supporting his family through this difficult period, as he has done since Kate's surgery in January.
