The unexpected news of his father's cancer diagnosis still reverberates within Prince William's thoughts.
Despite his recent return to public engagements following his adjusted schedule to stand by the Princess of Wales during her surgery, the heir to the throne doesn't foresee resuming full-time royal obligations in the near future.
At 41, Prince William intends to retreat with his family to Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for the children's half-term break, providing them an opportunity to bond, possibly alongside King Charles.
However, those in his inner circle suggest that he is still grappling with the shock of his father's diagnosis, which coincided closely with Kate's surgery, and is pondering the implications for his role and his family's trajectory.
"In moments like these, it's a stark reminder that besides being the future monarch, he remains a human being," a royal insider shared with The Times.
"He's digesting the news of his father's cancer diagnosis on a human level. Given the gravity he attaches to his responsibilities, it's only natural that he contemplates its ramifications."
Meanwhile, Prince William remains resolute in his commitment to prioritize his family, with royal aides affirming that he won't act as a substitute for the King, who fully supports his decision.
According to a source, "The Prince has consistently emphasized that his foremost duty is to stand by his wife and family for the foreseeable future – and he hasn't placed a timeframe on that."
