Prince William’s lean and gaunt look sparks health fears as he reveals it’s been ‘hardest year’ for him
CAPTE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Prince William has sparked health concerns after appearing notably lean and gaunt during a four-day trip to Cape Town for the Earthshot Prize.
Sources close to the royal family have confirmed that his inner circle is worried about his well-being, particularly in light of the toll his family's battles with cancer seem to be taking on him.
Royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams also weighed in on the situation, noting the tremendous pressure William has been under.
His comments came after the Prince opened up about the personal challenges of balancing his royal duties while supporting his family through a series of health crises.
Prince William isn't 'eating or sleeping properly'
Prince William's noticeably lean and gaunt appearance during his South Africa tour can be attributed to stress and personal challenges, according to a source who spoke to RadarOnline.
"William is worrying those around him as he clearly has not been eating or sleeping properly," the source explained.
They further revealed, "The toll of Kate’s cancer is showing, and the rumors around their marriage have also piled strain on him – but he's fighting back now."
These concerns about his health were raised after William discussed his difficult year in an interview marking the conclusion of his week-long visit to Cape Town for the Earthshot Prize awards recently.
Last month, royal expert Jennie Bond also commented on William’s appearance, noting that he has seemed both leaner and older in recent months. She suggested that his appearance may be a reflection of the emotional strain he has faced while supporting both his father and wife through health crises.
"All the focus this year has been on Catherine and of course on King Charles. But I think we should spare a thought for William, who has had to shoulder the burden and the emotional turmoil of both his wife and father having cancer," Bond explained.
She highlighted the critical role William has played in supporting his family. "And he has had to be the rock for both of them …and for his children. It has been an incredibly tough time for him and the strain has sometimes shown."
Despite this, Bond noted a slight shift in William’s demeanor, adding, "He looks leaner and perhaps a bit older, but he is stepping out with his new beard and perhaps new confidence that the future is now looking brighter."
Prince William has been 'the eye of the storm'
In a recent interview, Prince William reflected on the "hardest year of his life".
"It's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life," he said.
Royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams shared his perspective on the situation in an interview with GB News.
He remarked, "There is little doubt that if you consider the pressures he's been under. I mean, the word brutal certainly sums it up."
Fitzwilliams, who understands the demands of royal life, explained, "The fact it's been so hard because to have his father diagnosed with cancer and then subsequently his wife with Catherine having very, very movingly made these struggles as public as she possibly can."
The biographer further emphasized the immense challenges faced by the Prince, noting, "If you consider the pressures, the eye, literally the eye of the storm, the world's most high profile royal family, and with all the speculation to some of it very undesirable earlier in the year."
Fitzwilliams concluded by addressing William's leaner appearance, "On top of all this, he's kept as many royal commitments and also done some remarkable work for charity. So this is it's pretty uniquely candid for him to talk like this. But obviously, the situation has been quite extraordinary and very difficult."
