Royal author Alexander Larman recently offered insights into the discrete manner in which the health of Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, has been communicated to the public, attributing the silence partly to Prince William's approach.
Earlier in the year, Princess Kate addressed speculation regarding her health by confirming in a video statement that, following a "planned abdominal procedure" in January, tests revealed the presence of cancer, leading her to begin "preventative chemotherapy."
In a discussion with GB News, Larman commented on the intense public interest in the health of the Royal Family, stating that this fascination demonstrates how people "look to them to set an example." He also touched upon the negative aspects of social media, quoting Camilla, the Queen Consort, who opined that engaging with online trolls is futile.
Larman noted a significant difference in how Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace handled health disclosures. He observed that Buckingham Palace promptly provided details about King Charles's illness, while Kensington Palace was more reserved, a stance he ascribed to Prince William's adherence to the royal motto of "never complain, never explain."
Larman suggested that this traditional approach might not be as effective in today's digital age, where information is likely to become public regardless of official channels. "But it doesn't hold up in 2024, because you've got to allow the idea the information is going to get out into the public, whether you like it or not," he explained.
The conversation also veered into the topic of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from the Royal Family, commonly referred to as "Megxit." When asked about the impact of their exit on the monarchy, Larman opined that it had not been detrimental.
He critiqued Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," as lacking seriousness and briefly compared Meghan Markle to Wallis Simpson, suggesting that while Simpson might have embraced a lifestyle brand, she would likely have chosen a less crass title than some of Markle's ventures.
Meanwhile, as King Charles undergoes cancer treatment, Prince William and Princess Kate are confronting the real possibility of ascending to the throne sooner than anticipated, a situation that is reportedly causing them "intense anxiety," according to royal expert Tina Brown, the former editor of Vanity Fair. The couple, with Prince William at 41 and Princess Kate at 42, find themselves in the spotlight during a challenging time, both for the Royal Family and their personal lives.
"News of Charles's cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne ... The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety," Brown wrote, highlighting the weight of responsibility and concern the couple faces.
Amidst these circumstances, the Royal Family's engagements and responsibilities continue. Prince William has been stepping in for his father during this period, while Princess Kate has been attending to her engagements as her health permits. This heightened role comes at a time when both are reportedly apprehensive about their future roles as King and Queen.
In related Royal Family news, speculation abounds regarding Meghan Markle's attendance at an upcoming special service in the UK this May, which will commemorate a decade of the Invictus Games, a project closely associated with Prince Harry. Charles Rae, a former royal correspondent for The Sun, expressed skepticism about Markle's return to the UK.
"I'm of the opinion that Meghan won't set foot in the UK ever again. I just don't think she wants to have anything to do at all with this country," Rae stated, reflecting on the Duchess of Sussex's potential estrangement from British public life.
Furthermore, an intriguing rumor concerning King Charles and the sale of Highgrove House, the royal residence, to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for £20 million has been debunked. The story, originating from a Russian disinformation network, prompted a denial from the King's former butler, underscoring the misinformation challenges faced by the Royal Family.
