Prince William is ‘still processing’ the shock news that his father King Charles has cancer and ‘remains determined to keep putting his family first’, insiders reveal

Prince William is ‘still coming to terms with’ his father’s shock cancer diagnosis, royal insiders have revealed, saying he ‘remains determined’ to continue putting his family first.

Although the heir to the throne returned to public duties last week – after deciding to ‘clear his diary’ to support the Princess of Wales during and after her operation last month – he is not expected to take on full-time royal duties . not at all yet.

William, 41, will now retire with his family to Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for their children’s half-term holiday, where they may also spend time with the King.

But those close to him say he is still coming to terms with the shock of his father’s diagnosis so soon after Kate’s major surgery, while also considering what this time could mean for his role and his family’s future.

“At times like this it reminds us that he is not only the future head of state, but also a human being,” a royal source said. The times.

People close to him say he is still coming to terms with the shock of his father’s diagnosis so soon after Kate’s major surgery

“At times like this it reminds us that he is not only the future head of state, but also a human being,” a royal source said.

‘He processes the news that his father has cancer as a human being. Given the seriousness with which he takes his role, this is obviously something he will consider.”

Meanwhile, William remains determined to prioritize his family, with royal aides saying he will not replace the king, who also backs his decision.

A source said: ‘The prince has always made it clear that his priority for now is to support his wife and family – and he has not put a timetable on that.’

It is understood his team at Kensington Palace are speaking to their counterparts at Buckingham Palace about what public engagements William could potentially attend in his father’s place.

They are likely to line up for further investitures and may lead the family at events such as the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey early next month.

But with His Majesty’s insistence on keeping his hand firmly on the helm of state affairs during his treatment, it is highly unlikely that the future king will be required to take over constitutional matters.

It is understood William, 41, has his father’s ‘100 per cent’ support to return at his own pace.

A source said: ‘The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a great job. He understands that family comes first.”

William will be back with Kate and the children next week during their half term holiday

Prince William will continue to put the well-being of his wife and children at the forefront as he helps his ailing father

It comes after the king issued a statement on Friday expressing his gratitude for his support.

Prayers and support from home and the far corners of the world followed the announcement that he was undergoing treatment for a non-specific form of cancer.

Hand signed ‘Charles R’ and topped with the distinctive red Sandringham House letterhead, the note read: ‘I would like to express my sincere thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received over the last few days. As anyone affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

‘It is equally encouraging to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations supporting cancer patients and their families in the UK and the support the rest of the world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

Charles, 75, will now divide his time between Sandringham and Highgrove, traveling privately to London every week for his cancer treatment.

King Charles and expressed ‘sincere thanks’ to the British public in a letter from Sandringham House on Saturday evening

King Charles and Queen Camilla are pictured leaving Clarence House

On Thursday, Queen Camilla, who has been by her husband’s side since his diagnosis, said the king was “very touched” by the messages of support he has received from around the world.

In some ways it will be business as usual. He is expected to attend the Sunday morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church, where he was pictured with Queen Camilla, 76, last week, a day before his cancer diagnosis was announced.

Friends of the ‘workaholic’ monarch say he will likely indulge in two of his favorite hobbies – walking and watercolor painting – while doing what clearly doesn’t come naturally: taking it easy.

Despite canceling all public engagements, insiders joke that he will work through his ‘red boxes’ of paperwork ‘before he eats his boiled egg tomorrow morning’.

A friend commented, “Boredom will be one of the hardest things for him.”