PRINCE WILLIAM PUTS FAMILY FIRST
This week sees the return to royal duties for the Prince of Wales after the Easter holidays. It will be the first time he’s faced the public after his beloved wife’s shock announcement that she was receiving treatment for cancer.
Undoubtedly, he will receive a huge amount of support from the public – as has the Queen when she’s been out and about, representing her husband. But it must be hard dealing with polite inquiries as to ‘how is your wife doing?’ when you don’t even know yourself.
William and Kate have spent the past three weeks hunkered down at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, with their children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
That was why the princess made her announcement when she did – after their school term had ended, so they didn’t have to deal with potentially difficult questions from friends or fellow parents.
For those who know her, or like me have chatted to her while witnessing her work up close over the years, it will come as no surprise that her first thought is for her family and others.
A friend says, ‘It has been an incredibly tough time for both of them [William and Kate], but their absolute priority is their three children. Very few people, aside from their innermost circle, knew about Catherine’s illness and it was a huge shock even to her friends and some family when she announced it.’
The princess has a tight support network, including her mother Carole Middleton, who has helped on the school run, her loyal PA and stylist Natasha Archer, who has been by her side for medical appointments, and her brother James and sister Pippa, who have supported her by having the children for play dates, with phone calls and home-cooked meals.
School friends, such as Sophie Snuggs and her sister-in-law Hannah Gillingham-carter, have rallied round in an attempt to keep life as ‘normal’ as possible.
William has been desperate to protect his wife as much as he can – and was very proud of her decision to go public. It’s extraordinary to think he put on a brave face to fit in royal duties in February and March, while Kate had privately started chemotherapy after her abdominal surgery revealed cancer. But he has his father’s blessing to spend as much time as needed supporting his family and so will still be on a reduced workload.
Earlier this year I criticised William for not putting duty first – but the throne is coming fast for William and Kate. Therefore they need to prioritise their health and protect their young family for as long as possible.