Following Kate Middleton’s return home to Windsor for recovery from abdominal surgery, Prince William has taken on select public engagements while prioritizing his family. However, today, the Prince unexpectedly withdrew from a planned appearance at a Thanksgiving Service, with the Palace citing a personal matter as the cause.
Prince William was slated to join Queen Camilla and other royals for a service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, this morning, honoring the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes, who passed away last January and was William’s godfather. Shortly before the service commenced, Kensington Palace informed reporters that William would not be attending due to a personal matter. It is reported that the Prince personally contacted King Constantine’s family to convey the news.
Given the concern surrounding Kate’s health and the potential for speculation regarding its connection to William’s absence, a Palace aide emphasized that she “continues to be doing well.” The Princess has remained out of the public eye since her surgery at the London Clinic on January 16. Her last public appearance was on Christmas Day the previous year when the royal family attended church from Sandringham House.
Kensington Palace has clarified that they do not plan to provide regular updates on Kate’s recovery. When her surgery was announced, they stated that she was unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter. Kate has opted to keep her condition private, with the Palace stating, “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
The news coincided with King Charles being compelled to withdraw from public engagements due to treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Queen Camilla has maintained a busy schedule, while Prince William has carried out some engagements, including investitures, albeit with adjustments to accommodate his young family. His most recent appearance was at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening.