William's beliefs differ | Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Princess Kate has reportedly embarked on a new chapter in her spiritual journey, following an incredibly challenging year. The Princess of Wales has been notably more open in recent months, keeping Royal enthusiasts informed about the highs and lows of her cancer battle and its impact on her family life.
After undergoing scheduled abdominal surgery in January, fans were left worried when Kensington Palace announced that Kate would not be returning to her regular duties until after Easter. This sparked a wave of wild speculation, particularly after suggestions that a Mother’s Day photo showed signs of editing.
In March, the mother-of-three addressed the nation in a heartfelt video message, revealing she had been advised to undertake a course of preventative chemotherapy following a diagnosis with an unspecified form of cancer. Throughout the summer, Kate, 42, made several public appearances, including at the Trooping of the Colour and Wimbledon finals, where she received a standing ovation.
In September, much to the delight of fans who have followed her journey closely, Kate announced she was cancer-free after completing her chemotherapy treatment. 2024 has been a year filled with trials for Kate, and it is understood that her ordeal has significantly shifted her outlook on life – in a way that markedly differs from the beliefs of her husband, Prince William.
In his forthcoming biography Charles III, an excerpt of which has been featured in the Mail Online, Royal correspondent Robert Hardman discusses the reportedly differing religious views of the future King and Queen.
Hardman’s new book, set to be published on November 7, reveals: “Within the wider royal orbit, especially the Church of England, there had been speculation the events of 2024 might have nudged the Prince of Wales a little closer in the direction of the Almighty.
“He had not hitherto shared his father’s interest in faith and spiritualism, nor the late Queen’s solid devotion to the Anglican communion. Might the health scares afflicting his wife and his father have led to a little soul-searching? ‘No change of course there’, is the firm response from one who knows him well. ‘He is a modern young man’, says another, ‘and I think he gets embarrassed by certain aspects of ceremonial and religion’.”
When it comes time for the Prince of Wales to ascend to the throne, it is understood that while he will “observe all his constitutional obligations to the Church of England”, reports the Mirror, and his personal relationship with religion is unlikely to undergo any significant changes.
Hardman revealed: “He will not, however, suddenly become a regular worshipper or feign an enthusiasm for something that he does not feel personally, however bleak the situation. The Princess, on the other hand, is said to have become rather more interested in questions of faith as a result of her condition. ‘I would say that things are more hopeful there’, says one church-going friend of the family.”
Despite their differing spiritual paths, the Prince and Princess of Wales have both been deeply touched by the events of the past year.
In a moving September update, Kate confided: “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”