William's NEW LOW

The prince has been tested as he's dealt with personal turmoil amid his wife and father's cancer diagnoses, while shouldering his royal responsibilities. How's he coping, asks Emily Andrews

- Emily Andrews

It’s the question everyone wants to know, ever since the Princess of Wales made a highly personal video message revealing she has cancer back in March. ‘How is Kate? Is she OK?’

She has not been seen in public since and is not expected to attend this weekend’s Trooping the Colour celebrations for the King’s official birthday, having undergone chemotherapy treatment since February.

Prince William has shared optimistic updates on his wife, saying she is ‘doing well’ when asked by well-wishers on his public engagements.

But in truth, this has been an extremely tough time for both Kate and William, as they remain committed to maintaining a sense of routine and normality for their children – George, 10, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six.

Mounting pressure

William has also had to cope with his father’s cancer diagnosis, the ongoing feud and fall-out with his brother Prince Harry, and the responsibility as heir to the throne.

‘He’s definitely had to dig deep,’ says a friend. ‘Whether you’re a prince or a pauper, no one would expect anything like this with his father and his wife both being treated for cancer.’

Although working a reduced timetable to ensure he can support his wife and children (he tries to do the school run as often as he can), William is having to step up. But to widespread relief, King Charles returned to public duties in late May.

A significant photocall last month symbolised the momentum between father and son.