After a challenging year for the Royal family, which saw both King Charles and Princess Kate face cancer battles, Prince William has emerged as their “new rock”, says a Royal biographer. Writing for The Independent on Dec.28, Dr. Tessa Dunlop described the Prince of Wales, aged 42, as “a reincarnation of his late grandmother” and hailed him as a “steadfast anchor who changed it up with designer stubble,” referencing his noticeably rugged appearance in the second half of 2024.
Tessa highlighted how “the nation fell in love with Princess Diana’s firstborn all over again”, adding that “Naysayers who doubted William’s mettle have been forced to rethink,” in light of his impressive handling of such an intense and emotionally taxing year.
Describing the previous year as “brutal”, Prince William himself acknowledged the hardships during his attendance at the Earthshot Prize Awards in South Africa in November 2024, where he openly stated, “It’s been dreadful,” and confessed, “It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”
Despite the tribulations of the past year, there is a ray of hope for a less demanding 2025. Princess Kate has completed her cancer treatment and appears to be recovering well.
King Charles has also received clearance to resume his regular Royal engagements, with the prospect of more international travel in the coming year, reports the Mirror.
Public support for the royals has surged, with commentator Tessa last year highlighting the revitalisation of their public image: “Without doubt, the rebirth of the Waleses as the country’s number one couple has moved our monarchy into a new space,” she observed. “These days they appear to be a double act, even when apart.”
The solidarity was palpable as William provided unwavering support to Kate during her bouts of ill health, ensuring that “Kate has not walked alone,” amid troubling times.
At the Earthshot Prize Awards, Prince William also contemplated on his evolving role in the Royal hierarchy since becoming the heir apparent, with its attendant duties. “It’s a tricky one,” he conceded.
“Do I like more responsibility? No. Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot? Then yes. And that’s the future for me.”
William underscored the significance of utilising his influence effectively: “It’s very important, with my role and my platform, that I’m doing something for good. That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something that is genuinely meaningful. So, the Earthshot is a culmination, if you like, of all that put together.”