Prince William

Yes, even if the Duke did that. My father was killed during that dreadful war, but no good was ever done by recrimination, and at the end of the day, they were two very ill, very sad very old people who had more than messed up their lives, particularly the Duke, and if the late Queen could show compassion towards this obviously unhappy man then so can I.

Fair point Jaberwok.

Thomas Kingston appears to have taken his own life:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68449923

How very sad. His poor family.

So very sad

Very sad indeed

He shot himself through the head. So very sad.

How tragic.

Great admiration for William and Kate, throughout all the horrible business with Harry he has been his father’s support. The death of his friend must have shaken him too. I don’t think he can be criticised for supporting his wife and children, it’s been a long time but we don’t know the whole story.

Just guessing of course, but I wondered if it was because Andrew had carved out a prominent role for himself at the service, leading in the other royals. I think William likes to distance himself from Andrew and is wishing his father would do the same.

I too am guessing but wondered if he knows he is nearer to becoming King than he ever imagined. A very heavy burden.

GSM you've taken the very thoughts out of my head and put them here...yes it is a huge role to step into....with his close friends death and his father's cancer diagnosis, Prince William must be feeling shock and sadness and of course, Kate ..how is she really doing? A very turbulent time for him....

There was no role in the attendance of the family attending a
private memorial service. William attended Christmas Day service as did Andrew

William was to have given a reading at the memorial service.

I am guessing too, that at a time like this, William must feel he is being pulled in every direction.
If he were my son, I would want someone close to have his back.

I think people are reading far more into his absence than the reality. I’d lay money on him having D&V. He was out working again the day after, he’s been in Wales today for St Davids Day.

Casdon

I think people are reading far more into his absence than the reality. I’d lay money on him having D&V. He was out working again the day after, he’s been in Wales today for St Davids Day.

It was something sudden and last-minute and William does not seem to be one to shirk his duties and also family commitments. We will probably never know so there is no use in speculating.

Now come on.
Prince William is forty-one, two years younger tha Rishi Sunak, who as PM, whatever you think of him, has a huge burden to carry.
William has known since he was a small child that he is heir to the throne; he has been prepared for it and he will have an immense team to support him. It may not be what he would have chosen, I have no idea about that, but it will not come as a surprise and I do not think he is a coward or one to shy away from responsibility.

Totally agree eazybee

I don't feel that Kate's health is my business, but I wish her well.

Of course I am only speculating or extrapolating from what I might expect a "senior" or close family member to do.
My guess is that he heard the circumstances of his cousin Gabriella's husband's death and went to be with her.
The King couldn't , Camilla couldn't, and as the next most senior Royal plus close to her in age, he felt it was down to him. Protocol plus genuine kindness and solidarity.
(Why her parents for whatever reason felt their place was at the service will have been a personal matter)

Probably off visiting Rose like father like son

gabriella's parents were at the service because prince michael's mother was princess marina of greece so related to king constantine. They could hardly pull out!

I have one idea, mind your own business, it's got nothing to do with you, nor has Kates reason for an operation, nor has the type of cancer the King has.

EEJit

I have one idea, mind your own business, it's got nothing to do with you, nor has Kates reason for an operation, nor has the type of cancer the King has.

Oh well, that should shut any discussion down.
Anything else you’d like to censor?