Palace assures well-wishers Kate is 'doing well' as William pulls out of Royal service for 'personal reasons': Prince in 'last-minute' decision not to attend memorial at Windsor - as cancer-stricken King Charles arrives at Clarence House
Amidst a series of unforeseen events and personal circumstances affecting the British Royal Family, Prince William has made a last-minute decision to withdraw from attending a memorial service honoring the late King Constantine of Greece. The Prince's absence, attributed to undisclosed "personal reasons," has left many speculating about the nature of these circumstances. Similarly, King Charles III, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was also unable to attend the service, further contributing to a sense of unease within the royal circle.
Taking center stage in the absence of her husband and father-in-law was Queen Camilla, who represented the highest-ranking member of the Royal Family at the memorial service. Additionally, Prince Andrew played a prominent role, leading fellow royals on foot to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, accompanied by Sarah, Duchess of York, and their daughter Princess Beatrice, along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. It was deemed a personal family event, allowing them to attend.
While no specific details have been provided regarding Prince William's absence, some have speculated whether it may be related to the recovery of his wife, the Princess of Wales, following her recent abdominal surgery. However, sources close to the royal family assure the public that Kate is "doing well" in her recuperation at home. Prince William was last seen at the Baftas on February 18, while Kate has not made any public appearances since Christmas at Sandringham.
In light of her recent surgery, Kate will be taking a break from official royal engagements until after Easter. As for King Charles, he was present at Windsor Castle earlier in the day but left before the service commenced. The reception following the memorial was hosted by Queen Camilla. Later, the King was photographed waving as he arrived at Clarence House, his residence in London, signifying his ongoing battle with cancer.
It is worth noting that King Constantine of Greece held a significant place in Prince William's life, as he served as his godfather. The Prince had personally reached out to the Greek royal family to express his apologies for being unable to attend the service. Originally, William was scheduled to read from Revelation 21:1-7, a passage commonly chosen for funerals, beginning with the words "then I saw a new heaven and a new earth."
In Charles's absence from public duties due to his ongoing treatment, Queen Camilla has assumed the role of the most senior royal performing engagements. Royal sources have emphasized that there is no connection between Prince William's personal matter and the King's health, dispelling any potential rumors or speculation.
This year has presented unexpected health challenges for the royal family, with both Charles and Kate requiring hospitalization around the same time last month. These health concerns have placed additional responsibilities on Prince William's shoulders, as he has taken on more public duties while simultaneously supporting Kate in her recovery and caring for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
It is important to mention that Princess Anne, Charles's sister, represented the British Crown at Constantine II's funeral in Greece, which took place last year following his passing in January 2023. Constantine, the last member of a century-long dynasty, had a brief three-year reign before an army dictatorship overtook Greece in 1967.
Among the attendees at the memorial service, Prince Andrew, accompanied by his family, including Princess Beatrice and her husband, arrived at the chapel after being driven to the castle quadrangle by coach. The final member of the British royal family to arrive was Queen Camilla, who was driven down from the castle to the historic 15th-century chapel. Upon her arrival, she received a warm greeting from the Dean of Windsor, the Right Rev Christopher Cocksworth, at the Galilee Porch.
Today's service at St George's Chapel was held in honor of King Constantine's close friend and second cousin, Constantine II, the former ruler and last king of Greece. Unfortunately, King Charles, due to his ongoing cancer treatment, was unable to attend the service, leaving Crown Prince Pavlos, Constantine's eldest son, to step in and deliver the reading in place of Prince William.
The bond between King Charles and Constantine was a strong one, with Constantine being not only a second cousin but also a first cousin once removed and a sailing partner to the late Duke of Edinburgh. Constantine's passing at the age of 82 marked the end of a tumultuous journey, as he was overthrown from the throne by a military coup.
During this challenging time, the King has reportedly sought solace and spiritual guidance from his friend Archimandrite Ephraim, the Abbot of the Greek Orthodox Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos. As the Royal Family navigates these personal circumstances, the support and well-wishes of the public are greatly appreciated.
Abbot Ephraim, the esteemed spiritual figure, has reportedly shared his insights with various Greek media outlets, shedding light on the health condition of Prince Charles. In his statements, Abbot Ephraim expressed optimism, stating, "Yes, he has been in contact since the diagnosis, and I believe he'll overcome it. Charles has a remarkable spiritual sophistication, a profound spiritual life."
At the age of 75, Prince Charles recently received a diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer, prompting him to focus on his treatment and temporarily withdraw from public engagements. The royal family stands by his side, offering their support during this challenging period.
King Constantine, who passed away in January last year at the age of 82, held a special place in Prince Charles's life. The two shared not only a close friendship but also a familial bond, as Constantine was Charles's first cousin once removed. Their connection extended beyond familial ties, as Constantine and the late Duke of Edinburgh were sailing partners, sharing a passion for the sea and maritime pursuits.
Furthermore, King Constantine had the honor of being chosen as the godfather to Prince William, who now assumes the title of the Prince of Wales. The late king's godfather duties extended to Lady Gabriella Kingston, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, further highlighting the deep connections between the Greek and British royal families.
In remembrance of King Constantine's legacy, Queen Camilla and other members of the British royal family will be joined by his widow, Queen Anne-Marie, their eldest son Crown Prince Pavlos, and various members of the Greek royal family. Together, they will gather in the nave of the historic 15th-century chapel, paying tribute to Constantine's remarkable life.
Regrettably, Prince Charles was unable to attend Constantine's funeral in Athens last year due to prior commitments, including an important meeting with the president of Cyprus. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, represented him at the solemn service, ensuring his presence was felt despite his absence.
Constantine's reign as king began at the youthful age of 23 in 1964. He enjoyed immense popularity initially, having previously achieved Olympic gold in sailing, showcasing his remarkable talents on an international stage. However, his involvement in the political upheaval that led to the downfall of Prime Minister George Papandreou's Centre Union government in the following year tarnished his image and eroded public support.
This turbulent period, often referred to as the 'apostasy' in Greece, marked a significant turning point in Constantine's reign. The defection of several politicians from the ruling party destabilized the constitutional order, ultimately leading to a military coup in 1967. Constantine found himself in conflict with the military rulers and was eventually compelled to live in exile.
Tragically, the dictatorship abolished the monarchy in 1973, dashing any hopes Constantine had of reclaiming his throne. It was only after democracy was restored in 1974, following a referendum, that Constantine's aspirations for a return to power were officially extinguished.
For many years, Constantine lived in exile in Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London, nurturing the memories of his homeland. However, in 2013, he finally returned to Greece, embracing his roots once again. His remarkable journey, filled with triumphs, challenges, and enduring friendships, left an indelible mark on both the Greek and British royal families.
Comments
Post a Comment