Kate Middleton’s ‘Seen the Change’ in Prince William as a Father This Year: ‘She’s Genuinely Touched’
Prince William’s a different father now than he was at the start of 2024. Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis has reportedly brought on a “change” in the Prince of Wales and how he is with the three Wales children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
Kate’s ‘touched’ by what William’s done for her and their children
When the Princess of Wales, 42, was diagnosed with cancer—it’s believed Kate learned of her diagnosis in February—before announcing it a month later—William cut back on royal duties to be there for his wife and children.
He had help from the Middleton family, namely Kate’s mom, Carole Middleton, but through it all William has found a sense of “fun” in taking on more.
“He’s shouldered a lot of the responsibilities. And, what’s more, he seems to be having fun doing it,” a source said (via OK).
It’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Kate has seen the change. And she’s genuinely touched by all that he’s doing—not just for her, but for the children.”
Kate’s treatment is ongoing as she has a “few” more months of preventative chemotherapy. Meanwhile, her father-in-law, King Charles III, is slowly returning to public duties after being diagnosed with cancer in February.
“They remember their vows they said at their wedding,” a source said of William and Kate, who celebrated 13 years of marriage in April 2024.
“It forced her and William to take a good look at their priorities and be more grateful for what they have. Their vows have never been more profound as they navigate this difficult time.”
William has become more ‘confident and stronger’ in his father ‘role’
“Already hands-on” as a father before Kate’s cancer diagnosis, everything that’s happened so far this year—Kate’s diagnosis and that of her father-in-law—has seen William “become more confident and stronger in his role as dad,” the insider said.
“It’s reassuring for Kate to know the kids will always have a loving, compassionate, and caring relationship with their father if, God forbid, something happens to her,” they added.
William has not only had solo outings with his kids, but George, Charlotte, and Louis showed their love for their dad in a sweet 2024 Father’s Day post.
Alongside a photo—taken by Kate—of the four royals with their backs to the camera, the Wales kids included a message to their dad. (Their first-ever on Instagram.)
“We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day,” they wrote in the caption with a pink double hearts emoji. The kids signed off with “G, C, & L” for their initials.
George, Charlotte, and Louis ‘can sense he’s having fun’
When William’s with George, Charlotte, and Louis, “the kids can sense he’s having fun,” the source explained. In turn, the kids are “happy and secure as a result.”
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on June 21, 2024, the day William turned 42, is just one example. Joined by George and Charlotte, William went viral for his dance moves to “Shake It Off.” The royal trio was also all smiles backstage, posing for selfies with Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
William’s behavior as a father also drew comparisons to his late mother, Princess Diana. “She was so much fun to be around,” they said. “She encouraged her kids to play and express themselves.”
“William feels a responsibility to show that he’s evolving and modernizing with the times. It’s not a burden to him—it’s a privilege.”
