No matter how socially successful you are, it is deeply distressing to think that your father and your spouse are simultaneously fighting cancer. Prince William is under unfathomable pressure, especially when you consider that the world is watching him and that he and the Princess of Wales are raising three children.
Going even further, despite his optimism following Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis, he surely might have remembered the triggers that led to the death of his own mother (Princess Diana) when he was only 15 years old.
And he would understandably be devastated if the same happened to his own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Grant Harrold, the former butler for King Charles, reportedly spoke at length about Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and how it affected her husband.
Prince William’s Inner Turmoil: Coping with Family Health Struggles
Prince William is embarking on one of the most challenging periods of his life while his father, King Charles, and his wife Kate Middleton receive cancer treatment. Prince William, who is 41 years old, has faced and overcome a number of devastating hardships, including watching his parents’ marriage disintegrate amicably and losing his mother when he was just 15 years old.
However, following the cancer diagnoses of his father and wife within weeks of one another, he now faces his greatest challenge to date—both personally and in the context of the monarchy.
The Post quoted King Charles’ former butler, Grant Harrold, as saying that Prince William’s continued ability to function regardless of the Royal Family’s tough period is a “miracle”. The Prince of Wales has been taking care of his father and his cancer-stricken wife while juggling his royal responsibilities as the heir to the throne.
Harrold added:
“For any human being to have a family member going through this is scary in itself. William lost his mother [Princess Diana] at a young age, his father who has just become King, which he’ll have been thrilled about, is battling cancer and his wife, who is his soulmate, his best friend and his partner, is also now dealing with cancer.”
In addition to a rift with his younger brother, Prince Harry, Prince William also had to deal with the deaths of his beloved grandparents, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, in recent years.
Prince William Remains Strong Amidst Adversity
Regardless of the challenges the Royal Family is facing right now, Grant Harrold notes that Prince William is not one to give up on his duty to the nation (via The Post).
“William is still a senior member of the royal family, and he’s still got to carry on with his duties. You talk about mental health and how the royal family supports mental health — it’s a miracle that William is still functioning.”
“He has a very strong character”, Harrold said, adding that he “has no doubt that in his thoughts and prayers” Prince Williams has been thinking of his late grandparents. Proceeding, Harrold shared:
“Somewhere wherever they are I’m sure they’ll be giving him the support that he needs.”
Furthermore, it is encouraging to see Prince William trying his “hardest” to get through this challenging time. According to a Palace source quoted on Page Six:
“William is doing his hardest. One minute he’s doing the school run and now he is under incredible stress.”
As the heir apparent to the British throne, Prince William must bear the weight of the crown while also being a supportive husband and son during these tough times. While we send our love and well wishes to Kate Middleton and King Charles during their health battles, let us also remember the Prince of Wales as he navigates this difficult time with grace and dignity.
