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Prince William's 'Immense Responsibility': Future Monarch 'Shut Down' After King Charles and Princess Kate's Cancer Diagnoses

Prince William "nearly shut down" completely when he learned of both his father, King Charles III, and his wife, Kate, Princess of Wales' cancer diagnoses.

After coming to terms with his companion of over 20 years grim diagnosis, the Prince of Wales "picked himself back up again because he knew it was up to him to be strong for the whole family," a source close to the Wales household revealed.

"There’s a lot at stake, and he does need support," royal author Tessa Dunlop told an outlet before suggesting that the devastating news likely brought back memories of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales' 1997 death. But unlike other heirs to the throne throughout the millennium-plus history of the British monarchy, this Prince of Wales is determined to put his family before duty.

With this in mind, another source claimed that his father's courtiers are "backing off and giving [William] space," as "he clearly has a lot on his mind."

The monarch-in-waiting returned to public-facing royal duties and engagements on Thursday, April 18, with a visit to Surrey and West London. The Prince of Wales will shine a light on the impactful work of community and environmental organizations in the region during his trip, in addition to meeting royal fans and well-wishers.

The future king's last royal duty fell on March 20, which was the day Kate, Princess of Wales, recorded her video revealing the cancer diagnosis she received weeks earlier. Her Royal Highness released the "emotional" clip two days later, which found her and William close the doors on their public lives as both came to terms with her diagnosis.

The king-in-waiting's two visits on Thursday covered a surplus food redistribution company in Surrey, followed by a youth center in West London that receives food deliveries from the company. His Royal Highness had conversations with the young people at the center.

The Princess of Wales is reported to be "in good spirits" as she receives preventative chemotherapy treatments. Cancer was previously found in the area of her abdominal operation on January 16, which led her doctors to order chemotherapy as a precaution. It is currently unknown when the future queen will return to royal duties and engagements, with early insider speculation suggesting "September" at the earliest.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are obviously the future of the British monarchy as the heir and his consort, but the pair are also dedicated to helping a cancer-stricken King Charles III. This is despite the future queen also battling the same disease.

"William and hopefully Catherine will undoubtedly stand in for King Charles if he is unable to attend CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in Samoa in October, and a tour of the Antipodes would normally follow. We Will see," veteran royal and entertainment expert Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told The Royal Observer.

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Parade reported on the insider revelations.