Prince William offered a rare and heartfelt update on Princess Kate's health, praising her resilience and strength during her cancer battle. In a candid moment ahead of the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, the Prince of Wales spoke about his wife's remarkable fortitude. "She's doing really well, thanks," he told reporters, adding, "Hopefully she is watching tonight. She's been amazing this whole year."
Princess Kate, who was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells earlier this year, underwent preventative chemotherapy, taking a step back from royal duties to focus on her health. In September, she announced the completion of her treatment, stating that her focus is now on "staying cancer-free."
Despite her health challenges, the Princess has made select public appearances, including attending Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon, demonstrating her commitment to both her family and public service.
William's remarks came as he prepared for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize ceremony, an initiative he launched to tackle environmental challenges on a global scale. The Prince's dedication to the cause was evident as he discussed his family's efforts to minimize their environmental footprint at home.
"Every family tries to do what they can to help with the environment," he said, explaining how they focus on recycling, water conservation, and energy use. He added, "I've brought the children along on that journey, and I hope they're proud of what we are trying to do here."
The Earthshot Prize, which awards five recipients with £1 million each to scale solutions for pressing environmental issues, is the centerpiece of William's environmental advocacy. This year's ceremony, held in Africa for the first time, underscores the Prince's commitment to amplifying voices from the continent and fostering global collaboration on climate issues. "Everyone wants some hope and some optimism," William noted, emphasizing the role of youth and innovation in driving meaningful change.
During his time in Cape Town, the Prince was seen wearing a bracelet given to him by his daughter, Princess Charlotte, a relic from a Taylor Swift concert. The bracelet, which read "papa," symbolizes the strong family bond that sustains him through public and personal challenges. "She made it for me, and I promised to wear it and not lose it," William shared, adding a touch of warmth and relatability to his public duties.
The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2021, aims to provide urgent optimism amid global environmental and political challenges. William sidestepped questions about the U.S. election and former President Donald Trump's environmental record but underscored the importance of optimism and youth engagement. "Without them, the future is looking pretty bleak," he said, referring to the young innovators and entrepreneurs participating in the event.
