The British Royal family has gone through a lot of change in the past few years. King Charles and Kate Middleton were both diagnosed with cancer, with the King reportedly still very sick. Succession plans are reportedly being made already because of this, and that means both Prince William and Kate Middleton have been stepping up to fulfill some of the obligations the King usually would. And then there’s the feud between the King, Prince William, and Prince Harry, which seems like it will never be repaired.

But those are the usual concerns, and for anyone paying attention to the Royal family, there are more immediate ones. Case in point, Kate Middleton canceled her appearance at the Royal Ascot on June 18 at the last minute. At the time, reports indicated she was “disappointed” to miss the event, but she needed “to find the right balance as she continues her recovery from cancer and a phased return to full duties,” according to The Sunday Times‘s royal editor, Roya Nikkhah, on X.

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Reports got more precise soon, though. GB News reported that “palace insiders moved quickly to quell any speculation, insisting the situation stemmed from administrative confusion rather than health concerns.” The outlet said. “Royal sources stressed there was ‘no cause for alarm’ and that Kate was adhering to the guidance previously given about finding the right equilibrium in her duties.”

But this doesn’t mean her husband didn’t miss her. Indeed, body language expert Judi James analyzed Prince William’s appearance at Royal Ascot, telling the Express, “While his father, The King, chatted happily to their guest in the carriage, using some animated, good-humored body language displays, William seemed to sit back quietly with a slightly slumped posture, looking subdued and rather reflective without Kate at his side.” She described Prince William as appearing “sad and subdued” at the event.

This comes after the couple recently quashed rumors of possible divorce by taking the time to celebrate their anniversary in Scotland, where they first met. Of course, rumors about a possible separation pop up from time to time, but there doesn’t seem to be anything concrete about them.

For William and Kate, this all comes at a time when the two are seen as acting as a united front in what comes ahead. “There are some major shifts coming behind the scenes,” a friend told People. As a possible succession draws nearer, the two are now said to be building their team of advisors. “They are really finessing what works and what doesn’t,” the friend added. 

Kate’s illness also meant the couple had to focus on their family. “They were able to step back and reassess their priorities in all aspects of their lives,” the friend also added. But Kate remains a very important asset, for the monarchy, and for the message she herself seems to want to send. “She’s inspiring many people who have suffered similar health issues,” the source, who is close to the royal household, also said. “She has been open and transparent about her cancer journey and demonstrated how you can get on with your life. It is wonderful to see.” 

“I don’t think you ever recover fully from what Kate has had to endure this last year. She has always been a huge asset to the royal family, but even more so now.”