Pressure On Prince William ‘Never Been Greater’ Amid King Charles, Kate Middleton Health Crisis, Expert Claims
Prince William is in a tough spot amid his wife and father's health crisis.
The Prince of Wales is on break from his royal duties to look after Kate Middleton, who is still recovering following her abdominal surgery, and their three children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. However, after Buckingham Palace announced King Charles' cancer diagnosis, the royal father of three would have to resume his royal duties.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton during their visit to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) in Loughborough, central England on February 11, 2020.
Royal observer Rachel Bowie, co-host of "Royally Obsessed" podcast, weighed in on how the King's diagnosis would affect the heir. She believes there's added pressure on the Duke of Cambridge.
"I also just feel like the pressure on William has never been greater because his wife is not able to participate; he has three children he's kind of helping look after, as he should, and then now, he has to kind of carry the weight (of father King Charles)," Bowie told USA TODAY.
"We're set to see William return to royal duties on Wednesday, but I do feel like when you look at the monarchy right now ... just with the prostate treatment that Charles was undergoing when everything seemed fine, and then you have Kate out of commission, I think it really does make you think about just how slim the monarchy feels."
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the "No Time To Die" World Premiere at Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021 in London, England.
Prince William is reportedly due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace and a charity dinner on Wednesday. The monarchy's next huge event will be the Commonwealth Day on March 11. It remains unclear if the annual event will continue and to what capacity, given the monarch's health condition.
Prince Charles and Kate Middleton visit The Prince's Foundation training site for arts and culture at Trinity Buoy Wharf on February 03, 2022 in London, England.
Middleton and King Charles were both discharged last week after their respective procedure and treatment. The Princess of Wales will continue her recovery from her abdominal surgery at home and is reportedly making good progress. Meanwhile, before his cancer diagnosis, the palace said King Charles had "rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation."
King Charles III stands after being crowned during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, on May 6, 2023 in London, England.
When King Charles ascended the throne, he made it a point to slim down the monarchy. However, it would be a tough time for the firm since apart from King Charles, the Princess of Wales could not return to public duties until after Easter.
Additionally, Prince Edward would reportedly take a break after his trips to South Africa and St. Helena this month. His scheduled "short break" even sparked concerns, with some fans hoping he was okay. Others believed the royal just wanted to rest.
