Why Prince William Skipped His Godfather King Constantine II's Memorial Service

Prince William regretfully withdrew from attending a memorial service for his godfather, former King Constantine II of Greece, citing a "personal matter." His father, King Charles II, recovering from cancer treatment, also missed the service. Constantine, close to Charles, passed away last year.

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton is recovering from abdominal surgery and has refrained from official duties until after Easter. The Princess of Wales accompanied William and their children on a Norfolk getaway, continuing her recovery at Windsor.

According to recent reports, William decided to withdraw from attending a memorial service at Windsor Castle for one of his godfathers, Constantine II of Greece, due to a "personal matter."

William, who was slated to give a reading at the service for the former Greek king communicated his absence to the family members of the late royal who were in attendance.

In the prince's absence, Pavlos, Constantine's eldest son, filled in to deliver the reading.

While Kensington Palace did not provide further details about William's "personal matter," they assured the public that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is recuperating well from abdominal surgery.

Additionally, King Charles was also absent from the memorial service amid treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Despite the presence of numerous foreign royals, the monarch is not expected to have private meetings with them during their visit to Windsor.

Charles and late Constantine reportedly enjoyed a close relationship as they are second cousins and sailing companions, with the monarch naming him godfather to Prince William. He passed away at 82 last year.

Arriving for the service, the disgraced Duke of York, Prince Andrew, escorted family members, including his former spouse Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne, and Zara and Mike Tindall, who arrived via coach at the chapel. Queen Camilla, the last British royal to arrive, was greeted by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Rev Christopher Cocksworth, at the Galilee Porch.

Queen Anne-Marie, the late king's widow, along with their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, and various other members of the Greek royal family, joined Camilla and other relatives at the service in the nave of the 15th-century chapel.

Meanwhile, Kate is on temporary leave from official royal duties following her January surgery. In an update on the Princess of Wales, Kensington Palace stated that she is "doing well in her recovery from abdominal surgery."

Kate is recuperating at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor after undergoing surgery at the London Clinic last month. While in recovery, Kate will refrain from official engagements until after Easter, and her return to public duties will be guided by medical advice, with the possibility of conducting necessary work from her bed.

Insiders from the palace indicate that the recovering royal is eager to resume her duties "as soon as possible." However, Kate and Prince William prioritize their three children's care, placing "family first, day job second."

The insider added that maintaining a sense of "normality" for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis remains their focus.

A source who spoke to The Times noted: "The kids are always at the center of their universe. That will continue to be the case. They want to make sure they have as much normality as possible going forward."

Recently, the Daily Mail disclosed that Kate accompanied William and their three children on a half-term getaway to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

According to a friend speaking to Diary editor Richard Eden, "Catherine is recovering well. She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William."

Kensington Palace also confirmed Kate's return home to Windsor, stating: "The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress."

"The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided," the statement continued. "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."