PRINCE William is said to count a key royal as one of the "few people" he can "trust absolutely", according to an expert.
This year has been incredibly challenging for Prince William following the news of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis in February and the recent announcement that the Princess of Wales is undergoing cancer treatment.
As a result of Kate stepping down from public-facing duties and the King taking time out earlier this year, the Prince of Wales andQueen Camilla have been stepping up and continuing with their schedule of royal engagements.
And according to royal expert Jennie Bond, she believes the current situation has likely brought William and Camilla "much closer".
The BBC’s former royal correspondent spoke to about Queen Camilla and Prince William and claimed that they could be confiding in each other at this difficult time as King Charles and Kate receive treatment.
Jennie explained: “Times of adversity often bring people much closer together.
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“For all the progress that has been made in cancer treatment, it is still a scary thing.
“And while Camilla and William put on a brave face for the world (and no doubt for their spouses too), there may be times when they confide in one another about how they are dealing with it all."
The royal expert reflected upon William’s words following Queen Elizabeth’s death, in September 2022, when he described how his grandmother had been at his side at "the happiest moments" as well as the "saddest days" of his life.
Jennie suggested that Queen Camilla is "sharing some of those times" with her stepson and that this "must surely cement their relationship" which she believes is now likely to be one of huge trust.
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She claimed: "There are so very few people that a senior royal can trust absolutely… and Camilla must now be one of that number for William.
“And I’m sure it is a two-way street with William offering moral support to Camilla as well."
Queen Camilla's position as a trusted confidante to William may be slightly unexpected for some fans, as Jennie claimed that Prince William "took his time to accept" her when he was younger.
Despite the Prince of Wales's feelings towards the Queen reportedly being "complicated" at first, the expert claimed that the future King "knows now that she is the love" of King Charles’s life.
There are so very few people that a senior royal can trust absolutely… and Camilla must now be one of that number for William
Jennie Bond
With William and Camilla’s relationship perhaps stronger than ever, the pair came together and led the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day service in March in King Charles’s absence.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day - then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
It comes after the King, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate and spent three nights at the London Clinic.
Not only this, but Kate, 42, has remained absent from any official duties following abdominal surgery in January.
I’m sure it is a two-way street with William offering moral support to Camilla as well
Jennie Bond
Kate said in a video message she initially showed no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
The Princess said the family now needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.
In the video message, she said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
How other royals have also been rocked by health battles this year
THE past few months have seen members of the royal family struck down by various health battles. Here is a rundown:
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
“At this time I am also thinking of all those lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
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The Princess spoke about the "huge shock" after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the "incredibly tough couple of months" her family have experienced.
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