Fears have mounted for Princess Catherine’s health as a royal expert has claimed Prince William has only provided vague updates about his wife amid her cancer battle.
The Princess of Wales confirmed her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video message in March, revealing she had started preventative chemotherapy.
The news sent shockwaves around the world followed by an outpouring of support for the beloved royal.
Kate, 42, has not attended a major public event since she was seen with William and the royal family at the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.
She was also absent from the Colonel Review on June 8, which was the traditional dress rehearsal for Trooping the Colour for the King’s birthday.
The Prince of Wales last Wednesday maintained his wife was “better” as he met with World War II veterans in Britain to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Speaking to Sky News Australia host Danica De Giorgio on Friday evening, former ITN royal editor Tim Ewart expressed concerns that William’s updates about his wife’s health had not changed for some time.
“It’s not the first time that William has said this, to be fair, he’s made this comment on a couple of previous public appearances,” Mr Ewart said.
“But that, without in any way dampening down optimism about this, that is all we have heard.
“There have been no formal medical bulletins, and we still don’t know what form of cancer Kate has, or especially what treatment she is receiving.”
Kensington Palace had confirmed in a rare update last month that the mother-of-three would not carry out her usual role at the Colonel Review.
“Kate should have attended (the rehearsal) because she is a Colonel of one of the regiments involved, and it’s called the Colonel’s rehearsal, which she’s not going to be there,” Mr Ewart said.
But mystery still surrounds whether the Princess will attend the actual parade which marks the British sovereign’s birthday slated for June 15.
The royal expert said next week marked a “crucial” tell-all moment, determining whether Kate will make an overdue public appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the parade.
Thousands of Brits typically line the streets of London for the parade, eagerly awaiting the key balcony spectacle of the event.
“We’re hoping that she’ll be on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, but that would be the first time officially that we’ve seen her,” Mr Ewart said.
He said Brits will have “a lot of interest” in Kate’s appearance if she was to step out on the balcony.
“Does she look well does she look happy? I think it is fair to say people here are still quite concerned about her health,” Mr Ewart speculated.
Prince William has periodically thanked members of the public for their well wishes for his family and recently told a Surrey charity worker his wife was “doing well” amid her treatment.
Whilst receiving her treatment, the Princess is understood to be residing between the Wales’ family home, Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate, and their country Anmer residents in rural Norfolk.
She remains on an indefinite hiatus from public life while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Kensington Palace has however confirmed Kate is still being briefed on her major royal causes on an intermittent basis amid her treatment, but has declined to reveal when the royal will likely resume her public life.
Royal biographer Angela Levin last Wednesday said the British public were “wishing” for Kate’s return, but added the national mood was generally respectful of the Princess’s privacy.
“She’s got to pace it, she doesn’t want to push herself too far,” Ms Levin said.
“We all have to wish that we do see her.
“We do miss her – she’s lovely and clever and smiley and all those things.”