Prince William missed King Constantine's memorial service due to Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis

The Prince of Wales has prioritised staying by his wife's side after she received this difficult diagnosis.

Prince William's decision to withdraw from King Constantine of Greece's memorial service now has greater context following the revelation of Kate's cancer diagnosis.

The Prince of Wales is reported to have likely prioritised staying by his wife's side after she received this difficult diagnosis and began chemotherapy treatment.

Royal aides are expected to support William as he focuses on his family's well-being during this challenging time. The prince had previously adjusted his schedule to prioritise his family following Kate's initial health concerns in January.

The Duchess of Cambridge released a video statement revealing her recent absence has been due to a cancer diagnosis.

In the statement, Kate Middleton confirmed she has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments since undergoing surgery in January. She thanked the public for their outpouring of concern and support.

The Duchess of Cambridge also requested privacy during this difficult time so that she can prioritise her recovery and the well-being of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

William's absence from his godfather King Constantine's memorial service was initially attributed to unspecified "personal reasons."

This absence was further compounded by the fact that his father, King Charles, was also unable to attend the service since he was undergoing cancer treatment.

With both William and Charles absent, Queen Camilla became the most senior royal in attendance. Prince Andrew notably took on a prominent role, leading fellow royals on foot to the service.

A Daily Mail report said that William had personally contacted the Greek royal family to express his apologies for his absence.

Kate's last verified public appearance was on Christmas Day 2023. In January, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had undergone abdominal surgery, emphasising the need for rest and recuperation at home. No further details about the procedure were provided.

Kate's extended absence from public events sparked online speculation. Theories ranged from minor cosmetic procedures to more serious health concerns. The hashtag #WhereIsKateMiddleton began trending, with a dedicated website tracking the various rumours.

In February and March, conspiracy theories intensified. A photoshopped image of Kate with her children and a video of her shopping at a farmer's market further fueled the speculation. This growing online frenzy eventually caught the attention of mainstream news outlets.

The speculation-fuelled media frenzy culminated in reports of attempts made to access the princess's medical records at a private medical facility. It triggered a probe that saw three people placed under investigation. The princess's shocking announcement of cancer diagnosis came a day after reports said that the King's medical records had not been accessed during the alleged data breach.