Prince Edward is set to travel to the US this week to attend the state funeral of President James Earl Carter on Thursday.
Having celebrated his 100th birthday in October, the former US president died on December 29. It had previously been reported that King Charles and Prince William would not be in attendance at his state funeral, with the Duke of Edinburgh now confirmed to be representing the British Royal Family.
Last week, King Charles expressed his “great sadness” following the news of late former president’s death.
Since his father’s cancer diagnosis last year, Prince William has stepped in for King Charles at major events, including the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris last year.
Fans have spotted a key reason why William is stepping back from travelling to the US this week – and it’s likely due to a major family celebration.
The Princess of Wales is set to celebrate her 43rd birthday on Thursday – the same day of the state funeral in America.
One person wrote on Twitter: “I’m glad he won’t go.. this way he can spend Catherine’s birthday with her.”
Another said: “I’m not surprised Williams not going. Especially since it’s Catherine’s birthday. Everything she had going on I’m sure he wants to make it extra special for her.”
Others pointed out that it’s more appropriate for Edward to go, as he’s more likely to have known the former president.
Following a brutal year for the family with both the King and Princess Kate’s cancer diagnoses, William is likely gearing up to spoil his wife on her special day.
Speaking of celebrations for the princess, royal correspondent Jennie Bond said that the family are likely planning intimate and cosy festivities.
Discussing what William and their children will likely have planned for Kate, she told OK!: “For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten and, even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do.
“Maybe William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers – things that are soft on skin that has been bruised by surgery and treatment.”
After a brutal year with her health, Princess Kate has been tipped for a “significant” year ahead. According to insiders, Kate is reportedly “steering a new course” for 2025 “and beyond”.
Discussing the past year, a friend of the royal recently told The Mail: “It’s impossible to go through that kind of trauma and not to be changed as a person,” friends agree. There’s no hierarchy on the sheer terror of being told you have cancer, particularly when you have a young family you need to protect.”
