Prince William news: Royal pulls out of King Constantine’s memorial as Kate Middleton ‘health update’ issued

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The Prince of Wales has withdrew from the memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, at Windsor Castle due to a personal matter that does not cause concern, Kensington Palace said.

William was scheduled to give a reading at the service, but called the Greek royal family to inform them that he could not attend. Constantine's eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, stepped in to give the reading in William's place.

Kensington Palace would not elaborate on William's absence but said the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, remains doing well. Meanwhile, King Charles is away as he continues to recover from cancer treatment.

The late King Constantine of Greece, who died in January last year, was William's godfather.

Important points

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Prince William's withdrawal from memorial has 'nothing to do with Kate,' expert says

Prince William's withdrawal from memorial has 'nothing to do with Kate,' expert says

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 4:59 p.m

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Who is William's godfather?

The late King Constantine of Greece was a first cousin and sailing partner of the late Duke of Edinburgh.

He was a close friend of King Charles, who made him William's godfather.

He died in January last year at the age of 82, decades after he was deposed from the throne in a military coup.

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 2:10 p.m

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Watch: Duke and Duchess of York attend memorial service

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attend memorial service after William withdraws for 'personal reasons'

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 1:30 p.m

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Royal source provides update on Kate's health

A royal source has provided an update on the Princess of Wales' health as William abruptly pulled out of his godfather's memorial service for “personal reasons.”

A royal source told The Mirror that William's absence from tonight's event does not appear to be related to the Princess of Wales' ongoing recovery from abdominal surgery last month.

The source said: “The Princess of Wales continues to do well.”

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 1:22 p.m

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Queen Camilla leaves the memorial service as she heads the royal family in Charles' absence

Camilla was pictured leaving St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after the service. She wore a pinstripe blazer and matching skirt.

She was joined by Anne, Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of York, and Zara and Mike Tindall.

Queen Camilla leaves the service

(PA)

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 1:06 p.m

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The Queen sits next to Anne, Princess Royal, at the funeral service

Queen Camilla and Princess Anne

(via REUTERS)

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 12:37 p.m

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Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson accompanied the Queen at the memorial service

The Duke and Duchess of York smiled as they arrived together at the service at Windsor Castle for William's godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece.

Charles was in Windsor earlier in the day but left the residence before the service began. He was expected not to attend the memorial service as he continues to recover from cancer treatment.

Prince Andrew led family members including Zara and Mike Tindall. Queen Camilla was welcomed by the Dean of Windsor, the Reverend Christopher Cocksworth.

Camilla will then host the reception without William and Charles.

The Duke and Duchess of York arrive for the service at Windsor Castle

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 12:18 p.m

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King Charles is absent from the memorial service as he recovers from cancer treatment

King Charles was expected to be absent from today's memorial service as he continues to recover from cancer treatment.

Charles, who has been staying at Windsor Castle, is said to have left the Berkshire residence this morning.

Dozens of European royals traveled to Windsor to attend the service for the late King Constantine of Greece at St. George's Chapel. However, Charles is not expected to meet with them privately.

In William's absence, Constantine's eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, stepped in to give the reading.

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 12:07 p.m

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Queen Camilla arrives at the memorial while William and Charles are absent

Queen Camilla has arrived at Windsor Castle for the thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of Greece.

Meanwhile, Prince William is away due to a “personal matter” while Charles continues to recover from treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Queen Camilla arrives for a service of thanksgiving for the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 11:53

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With William and Charles absent, Camilla will host the reception at today's memorial service

William was expected to attend the ceremony alone as his wife Kate takes a break from official royal engagements until after Easter following major abdominal surgery in January.

The king was expected to miss the service as he continues treatment for an unknown type of cancer.

It is also understood that the Duke of York attended the service as a member of the British royal family and was invited by the Greek royal family.

The Queen will reportedly host the post-commemorative reception in Charles' absence.

Ellie MuirFebruary 27, 2024 11:45 am