Prince William, the Prince of Wales, missed a scheduled royal engagement on Tuesday due to a “personal matter,” according to a statement from Kensington Palace. His absence at the service of Thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle has prompted curiosity and concern among royal watchers, especially given the current health issues affecting other members of the British royal family.
While the palace did not provide specific details about the personal matter, it was confirmed that it is not related to King Charles III’s health. The King, who has been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer, has been receiving regular treatments and has limited his public engagements as a result. Despite his health concerns, King Charles has made occasional public appearances, including attending church with Queen Camilla in Sandringham and reading some of the thousands of cards and letters he has received since his diagnosis was made public.
Prince William’s absence from the Thanksgiving service was announced just hours before the event, which is an uncommon occurrence among the royals. In a statement, the palace noted, “Unfortunately, The Prince of Wales is no longer able to attend the King Constantine Memorial Service this morning due to a personal matter.” No further information was provided.
William’s absence comes at a time when both King Charles III and William’s wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, are dealing with health issues. Kate is recovering at home from abdominal surgery she underwent in mid-January, which required nearly two weeks in the hospital. Given her ongoing recovery, Kate’s last public appearance was on Christmas Day, and she is not expected to resume her royal duties until later this spring.
William, who had been shouldering increased responsibilities due to King Charles’s health and Kate’s recovery, was set to attend the Thanksgiving service without his wife. His sudden absence placed more pressure on Queen Camilla, who led the British royal family at the event, attended by various members of King Constantine’s family and other royals from across the world. British royals who attended included Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, their daughter Princess Beatrice, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Charles’s sister Princess Anne, along with her daughter Zara Tindall and son-in-law Mike Tindall, were also present.
Prince William’s absence from such a significant event is notable, given the infrequent occurrence of royals missing engagements for personal reasons. He took time off from public engagements while Kate was hospitalized and resumed his duties in early February. On his first day back, he stepped in for King Charles to lead an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Though details about the personal matter remain scarce, William’s decision to step back from this event demonstrates the sensitivity and unpredictability of royal life, especially in times of family health crises. Royal watchers and the public will undoubtedly keep a close eye on further developments, both in William’s personal matters and in King Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer.