At the very last minute, Prince William unexpectedly pulled out of attending the memorial service for the late former King Constantine of Greece where he had been due to give a reading on February 27.
Kensington Palace initially said it was because of a “personal matter” that kept the Prince of Wales from being there, but it has now been confirmed this was because of the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis.
Princess Kate underwent major abdominal surgery at the start of the year which was successful but tests after the operation found cancer present.
The Princess is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy and she is “in the early stages” of that treatment.
In a personal video message released by the Princess of Wales, she stated the couple have been “doing everything” they can “to process and manage this privately” and be there for their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
On February 27, the Prince of Wales personally called the Greek royal family to say he would not be able to join them – and at the time, speculation swarmed surrounding both King Charles’s health and Princess Kate who have not been conducting any public duties since their surgeries at the start of the year.
The service remembered the former King Constantine, who is William’s godfather, who died last year, and his eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, gave the reading instead of Prince William.
Other royals who attended the service were the Queen, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew, along with members of overseas royal families who had travelled to Windsor to attend.
King Charles was close to his second cousin Constantine, who was a first cousin once removed.
Princess Kate in her personal message described Prince William as a “great source of comfort and reassurance”.
The Princess of Wales has stressed the importance of “time, space and privacy” to complete her treatment and recover from the shocking illness.
Initially expected to return to duties after Easter, Princess Kate added: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.”
Kate also delivered a thoughtful and kind message to those whose lives have been affected by cancer. She said: “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
