The cancer of his father and wife placed a heavy burden on Prince William

The heir to the British throne will have to rule the monarchy for the next few months

The Prince of Wales received blows quickly, one after another. First, his father, King Charles III, announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and then doctors announced that his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, also had cancer.

The burden on the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom will be significant, writes The Guardian. William must not only support his wife and father, but also guide his young children through a family medical crisis in light of global media coverage. And he must shoulder much of the responsibility for running the monarchy in the difficult months ahead.

In a video message posted on Friday, Kate acknowledged her husband’s role in her recovery from surgery and cancer treatment. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and confidence,” the Princess of Wales said.

Immediately following Kate’s abdominal surgery in January, William took time off to support his family. But on February 6, the Crown Prince returned to royal duties as Kate recovered at home in Windsor.

Three weeks later, he abruptly pulled out of attending a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece, citing unspecified “personal reasons.” This sparked intense speculation on social media. It is believed that Kate was diagnosed around this time, notes The Guardian.

King Charles III also skipped the service, leaving Queen Camilla and Prince Andrew to lead the royal party.

Kate is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is unlikely to perform any official duties for the foreseeable future. The king resumed limited events last month, such as an audience with Rishi Sunak and a meeting of the privy council, but he is not expected to travel or undertake complex commitments.

William’s priority over the next few weeks will be his family, The Guardian notes. The prince can devote as much time as he needs without worrying about financial problems or fear of losing his job. Many spouses or partners in a similar position have to make difficult choices.

“Balancing work and caring” for someone with cancer “can be difficult,” says charity Macmillan Cancer Support. It advises trying to find a “balance between the support you want to provide and what you are able to do” and talking to employers about possible flexible working arrangements.

Many people depend on support – practical and emotional – from close relatives. This may not be the first time William has reflected on the breakdown of his once close relationship with his prince brother Harry, who now lives thousands of miles away and is largely estranged from his family.

While many families come together in times of crisis and strengthen mutual bonds, this seems unlikely for members of the royal family, The Guardian suggests.