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Subtitle,
Prince William was absent from a ceremony he was scheduled to attend, sparking speculation.
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- Author, Daniela Relph
- Rolle, British Crown Affairs Correspondent
1 hour
It's been a challenging few weeks for the British royal family.
The health problems of both King Charles III from that Princess of Wales have raised questions about what the palaces of Buckingham and Kensington want to communicate to the public.
His advisers are trying to navigate between the public's hunger for information, speculation on social media and the need to protect two people who are unwell.
All of this leads to one big dilemma.
The spotlight has shone even brighter in recent days Prince William canceled at short notice his presence at a mass in Windsor in memory of his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece.
He had to give a reading and his name was in the order of the ceremony.
But less than an hour before the event began, a message came from Kensington Palace.
“Unfortunately, the Prince of Wales is no longer able to attend this morning’s service due to personal reasons,” the statement said.
That was surprising. Prince William lives in Windsor. He had a job to do on duty. It was his godfather who was remembered.
Rumors immediately started circulating: Was this a bad sign for Catherine? The advice from the princely team was that there was no need to panic.
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Princess Kate underwent abdominal surgery at a London hospital on January 17.
The princess is doing well, they said, indicating that the absence had nothing to do with his wife's health.
But that wasn't enough to quell speculation.
Limited information
My own WhatsApp messages probably reflected what many people were wondering.
What's wrong with Kate? Why don't they tell us? Is that why William didn't show up?
And when you delved deeper into social media and internet research, you found that the rumors about the princess' condition were becoming more outlandish by the hour.
The lack of detailed information and Prince William's sudden absence fueled speculation.
We still don't know why the prince stayed away from duty. This Thursday he attended an event as planned.
Princes William and Kate's advisors are very familiar with the gossip that circulates on the Internet: they read it, they talk about it, they know the conversation.
But they emphasize that Nothing has changed.
A spokesperson for Catherine played down the speculation on social media.
“Kensington Palace clarified the timeline for the princess’s recovery in January. That’s what we said.” We would only provide meaningful updates. “This decision stands.”
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Subtitle,
The health of the king and princess has sparked much speculation in the press.
Return to public
Of course there is also the question of privacy.
For Prince William, protecting his wife during her recovery is of utmost importance.
Kensington Palace simply does not want details about his health to be made public, nor do his staff feel the need to say more.
But when Catherine returns to public duties, the scrutiny will be intense.
All eyes will be on her.
How does it look? What is perceived? Does it look different?
Your team is aware of the interest that will exist at this time, so it is especially important to protect them now.
They will choose very carefully when and how we will see them in public again for the first time.
The King's Health
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Subtitle,
King Charles made several public appearances following his cancer diagnosis.
It looks different Buckingham Palace in managing the diagnosis and treatment of Cancer of King Charles III.
There, the courtiers feel the need to see the monarch in action as he carries out some of his duties.
That's why we saw photos of the King with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunakwent to church and read cards and wished him a speedy recovery.
This is a king whose health is currently compromised but who is still able to do some of his usual work, and the palace wants to show us that.
Catherine doesn't have the same pressure to go public.
She's not the monarch, she doesn't have to reassure in the same way.
Yes, there is a clamor for information, but “it’s up to them” seems to be the sentiment.
This is a princess who wants Keep things private.
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