Unlike ordinary people, the royals constantly live under a magnifying glass, and cannot cope as they might want to, says Dr. Alon. “William has to meet the expectations of the public, of the media. He has no legitimacy to do what seems right in his eyes.” She also adds that “if he chooses to take on additional duties in place of his father, the public can ask why he is not with Kate and the children. On the other hand, if he chooses to stay close to his wife and children, some will wonder if this is the way a future king should behave, instead of taking the reins into his own hands.”
And what about the marital system between William and Kate? How might she be affected by the disease?
Dr. Alon explains that in a marital relationship where one of the partners is dealing with an illness, the dynamic sometimes changes and becomes a therapist and patient relationship. “Marital communication and discourse focus on the illness, the treatments, the side effects, while the marital characteristics are pushed to the corner, including the touch, the warmth and the romance.” The doctor emphasizes the need to understand that the “caregiver” partner also has needs, questions and fears. “It can be assumed that William is also going through difficult times and needs support. It may be that he chooses not to share his personal affairs with his wife in order not to burden or bother her now, but this may create a gap and distance.”
Can such a crisis also improve relationships in the family?
In recent years, the relationship between brothers William and Harry has been strained as it decided to take a step back from the royal family. “Such a situation in a family can definitely bring a friend together,” says the doctor. “Many times families choose to put aside their differences for the sake of treating the patient, but this always requires the mobilization of both parties for it to work. In this case, both Harry’s and William’s, and the question arises as to whether they can even do this and bridge the gaps, and what is the depth of their relationship.”
Also, Kate and Charles may become closer due to the common challenges they experience. “The disease may create a sense of identification in them, that they understand each other, while the others around them can feel a bit left out,” she adds. It is possible that the identification and shared destiny will also improve the relationship between Prince William and Camilla, his father’s wife. Indeed, just last week it was reported in the British magazine OK! Because the relationship between the two has tightened since the discovery of their relative’s cancer. The BBC’s former royal correspondent, Jenny Bond, told the magazine that “they are both so worried about the unexpected health problems that I imagine they shared their concerns with each other.” She also added that “in the past it was difficult for William to accept Camila, but today I think there is real warmth and affection between the two – both of them are now facing the world despite the crisis, and continue their work, while I’m sure they prefer to be at home and take care of their spouses and children.”