Prince William's 'Absence' Amid Kate's Cancer Battle Allegedly 'Makes Things More Difficult'

Kate Middleton, having been sidelined from her royal duties to undergo chemotherapy, is understood to be struggling with the challenges of parenting alone due to her husband, Prince William's frequent absence.

Kate is reportedly under "pressure" to return to her royal duties as she doesn't want to come off as helpless. She also allegedly complained to William, who told her to "stop worrying" and focus on her health.

Following her cancer diagnosis revelation in March, the Princess of Wales is yet to make a public appearance as she is understood to have started "preventative chemotherapy."

Kate's absence, along with King Charles' cancer diagnosis, meant the monarchy had fewer working royals to cater to its task, especially as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resigned from their role in 2020.

Much of the burden then fell on Prince William and Queen Camilla, but that has seemingly affected the future King's family dynamic.

According to Life & Style Magazine, a source shared that amid Kate's "exhausting" treatment, her primary "instinct as a mother" is to focus her attention on their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, Kate is reportedly "struggling with trying to do it all."

"It doesn't help that William has been away from home more, so Kate's main support and shoulder to lean on isn't always around," the source disclosed.

The insider added that although Kate's mother, Carole, has been helping care for the kids, "William's absence makes things more difficult."

While Kate is not one to stir controversy, as she is understood to be an ardent follower of the late Queen Elizabeth's policy of "never complain, never explain," the future Queen reportedly shared her feelings with William.

According to the news outlet, the insider shared that Kate told William about the "pressure she was feeling" and that he was "supportive" and "sympathetic," telling her that she needs to "stop worrying and take as much time as is needed."

However, William's reassurances did not help as Kate started to question everything, especially her importance to the royal family and who she is without her titles, with the source adding that she has "spiraled at times."

"Her decision to stay in hiding might be shocking to some. But Kate wants to make sure she's here for her family — and the crown — for a long time," the insider noted of Kate's decision to prioritize her health.

Despite her cancer battle, King Charles conferred on Kate the title of a "Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour."

The post saw her become the first royal family member appointed to the order, which was founded 107 years ago. However, Kate has yet to act publicly in that capacity due to her continuous withdrawal from her Royal and public-facing duties.

However, the mother-of-three is understood to be under "pressure" to return to work as she feels a need "to get back into the swing of things."

"She doesn't want the world to see her like this, and she doesn't want to delay getting back to work as a royal even more, either," the source told Life & Style.

"While no one is pushing Kate to do anything but recover, she's still feeling a lot of pressure to get back to her duties and to be even more perfect than before," they explained. "She's taking time to heal, but caring for her kids, being a good spouse to William, and her responsibility to her work are weighing heavily on Kate."

Originally scheduled to make a return to duty after Easter before suffering a setback, Kate will reportedly be a no-show until next year after reports emerged suggesting her calendar has been cleared, per the DailyBeast.

A source told the news outlet that the future Queen may "not appear in public for the rest of the year" and is being "surrounded" by her birth family as she continues her cancer treatment. She's expected to spend the week with her family at her and William's country home on the Sandringham Estate.

"Lots of people involved in planning need to know what all the principals are doing a long way in advance. I am told that Kate's diary for this year is empty. There is nothing planned. She may not appear in public for the rest of the year," a royal source disclosed.

Besides the health crisis plaguing the royal family, sources claim that William and Kate are also worried about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex taking more trips around the world.

According to royal expert Tom Quinn, "The senior royals, especially William and Kate, are terrified of one thing above all others: that Harry and Meghan will continue to organize trips across the world until they are seen as the public face of the royal family."

During a conversation with The Mirror, Quinn noted: "The fear is made worse because William knows that with his wife stricken with cancer, he cannot compete, and he can't stop the Meghan and Harry rollercoaster."

He continued: "William is absolutely furious and determined to prevent this from happening again in the future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him."