Following a challenging 2024, which Prince William described as “dreadful,” royal biographer Ingrid Seward suggests that 2025 will be a brighter year for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children. Last year brought the devastating news of cancer diagnoses for both Kate Middleton and King Charles. While the specific details of their illnesses remain private, the palace confirmed that the King’s cancer is not prostate-related, following a January procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. Prince William openly acknowledged the difficulties of the past year, referring to it as the “hardest year in my life.”
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Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, faced the fear and uncertainty of their mother and grandfather’s health battles. Although the Princess of Wales announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment in a September video message, King Charles’s treatment is expected to continue into the new year. This difficult period has understandably impacted the young royals, and their parents are planning to make 2025 a year filled with joy and special moments.
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In an interview with Hello!, Ingrid Seward shared that Kate Middleton intends to “spoil them a bit” in 2025, recognizing the emotional toll of the previous year on her children. Seward speculated that the family might enjoy a ski trip during the Easter holidays and a longer summer vacation, as they reportedly did not take any significant trips in 2024. Following Kate’s abdominal surgery in January and her subsequent cancer diagnosis announcement in March, the family maintained a low public profile. Their first official appearance together was at Trooping the Colour in June. Subsequent public appearances were limited, primarily focusing on events related to Kate’s health and charitable initiatives, such as the Together at Christmas carol concert in December. The family concluded the year with their traditional Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.
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Seward highlighted the Prince and Princess of Wales’s deliberate approach to protecting their children’s privacy in the digital age. While acknowledging the necessity of occasional public appearances, the couple strives to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children. Compared to previous generations of royal children, George, Charlotte, and Louis enjoy a more informal upbringing at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, with significant parental involvement and less reliance on staff.
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Seward also commented on the close bond between the siblings, attributing their strong relationship to their similar ages, shared interests in sports, and the unique circumstances of their lives. Their shared experiences have fostered a deep connection and a sense of unity. After a year marked by adversity, the Wales family is looking forward to a more positive and joyful 2025.
