Royal Family makes sure the show goes on by switching the lights off: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle go dark this evening to mark Earth Hour after Kate’s cancer news

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle will plunge into darkness tonight for Earth Hour as the royal family continues their public duties amid a series of health crises.

The Princess of Wales announced yesterday that she has cancer in an unprecedented video speech shared on the royal family’s X account.

But today the official feed returned once again to focus on the institution’s daily operations, with members of the public urged to join royal monuments in switching off all non-essential lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm tonight.

The initiative is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a conservation charity, to urge action to save the planet.

It aims to highlight the impact humans have on the planet through climate change, pollution, plastic and food production.

Sitting on a bench in Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales has taken the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer

Windsor Castle will also turn off non-essential lights tonight to mark the WWF’s Earth Hour

Charles in particular is passionate about environmental issues and is pictured here addressing Cop28 in Dubai

Other sights that will be dark this hour include the Barbican Arts Centre, the Old Bailey, Tower Bridge and the OXO Tower.

King Charles in particular is known for his attention to environmental issues and will certainly support the event.

Meanwhile, Prince William has continued with his public duties in recent weeks, despite Kate’s cancer diagnosis following surgery in January.

He was cheered on Tuesday during a visit to Sheffield, where he spoke to families who have become homeless.

The heir to the throne chatted warmly with well-wishers, who were unaware of his wife’s diagnosis at the time.

In recent weeks he has also been seen visiting a synagogue in London, where he held hands with Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, 94.

And on St David’s Day – March 1 – William visited the famous Turf Pub in Wrexham – where he chatted to Rob McElhenney, the Hollywood owner of Wrexham AFC.

The location will be familiar to viewers of the Disney+ ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series.

Seoul, South Korea plunges into darkness as today marks Earth Hour

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, on the occasion of Earth Hour 2024

Last night, Kate revealed in a televised speech that she had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing successful abdominal surgery in January.

The princess is now on what is being described as a ‘recovery journey’ after starting a course of chemotherapy at the end of February.

It is for this reason that William withdrew from a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece.

The future queen revealed that she and her husband have been focusing on their children during this difficult time.

The Prince of Wales visited Sheffield on Tuesday, part of his ambition to eradicate homelessness

William with Wrexham AFC chairman Rob McElhenney (left) and Wrexham AFC executive director Humphrey Ker during a visit to The Turf cafe on March 1

Prince William touches the hand of Renee Salt, 94, a Holocaust survivor, during a visit to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London on February 29

She said: ‘But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.

“As I told them; I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.

‘Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance.

“As has the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.”