Princess Kate has reportedly begun a new chapter in her faith journey, after what has been an intensely difficult year.
The Princess of Wales has shown a markedly more personal side over the past few months, keeping Royal fans updated on the ups and downs of her cancer journey, and the effect this has had on her family life.
After undergoing planned abdominal surgery back in January, fans were left concerned after Kensington Palace announced that Kate wouldn't be resuming her usual duties until after Easter. A flurry of wild rumours began to circulate, especially after it was suggested that a Mother's Day photograph showed signs of editing.
In March, the mother-of-three addressed the nation in a poignant video message, explaining that she'd been advised to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer.
Over the summer months, Kate, 42, made various public appearances, including at the Trooping of the Colour and the Wimbledon finals, where she was greeted with a standing ovation. In September, to the joy of fans who've followed her progress every step of the way, Kate announced that she was cancer-free after completing her course of chemotherapy.
2024 has proven to be a year of many challenges for Kate, and it's understood her ordeal has also shifted her perspective in life - in a way that differs notably from the beliefs of her husband Prince William.
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Iain Watts/Liverpool Echo)In his upcoming biography Charles III, an extract of which has been published in the Mail Online, royal correspondent Robert Hardman reflected on the reportedly different religious perspectives of the future King and Queen.
Hardman, whose new book will be published November 7, wrote: "Within the wider royal orbit, especially the Church of England, there had been speculation the events of 2024 might have nudged the Prince of Wales a little closer in the direction of the Almighty.
"He had not hitherto shared his father's interest in faith and spiritualism, nor the late Queen's solid devotion to the Anglican communion. Might the health scares afflicting his wife and his father have led to a little soul-searching? No change of course there', is the firm response from one who knows him well. 'He is a modern young man', says another, 'and I think he gets embarrassed by certain aspects of ceremonial and religion'."
When the time comes for the Prince of Wales to take his father's place on the throne, it's understood that, although he will 'observe all his constitutional obligations to the Church of England', there won't be a huge change in terms of his own personal relationship with religion.
Hardman continued: "He will not, however, suddenly become a regular worshipper or feign an enthusiasm for something that he does not feel personally, however bleak the situation. The Princess, on the other hand, is said to have become rather more interested in questions of faith as a result of her condition. 'I would say that things are more hopeful there', says one church-going friend of the family."
Although the Prince and Princess of Wales may well differ when it comes to matters of spirituality, it's clear the events of this past year have affected them both profoundly. In her heartfelt September update, Kate shared: "The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
"With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."
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