Royal expert Ingrid Seward says the Prince of Wales, who celebrates his birthday today alongside his wife Kate Middleton and his young family, has become a ‘stronger’ person after overcoming ‘traumas’ in past year

Prince William marks his 42nd birthday today, but the celebration comes after one of the future king’s ‘most difficult’ periods.

Indeed, while he entered his 30s as a carefree prince, the last decade has seen the Prince of Wales hit by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, while his father King Charles and his wife Kate have both been diagnosed with cancer. And that’s on top of his ongoing estrangement from his brother Prince Harry and the general pressures of being a working father-of-three.

Despite his hardships, royal commentator Ingrid Seward has said the past year has been the making of William, and that his mother, the late Princess Diana, would be proud. Speaking to the Mirror, Ingrid said: “It has been one of the most difficult couple of years of Prince William’s life.

Ingrid Seward says the father and son have bonded more closely over the past few years ( 
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POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“In what seemed the blinking of an eye, he has gone from a carefree young dad to becoming the Prince of Wales on the death of his much-loved grandmother the late Queen. Even at that emotional moment Kate was unable to be at his side. It was their kids’ first day at a new school and she correctly felt she had to support them.

“There was also the problem with Prince Harry whose wife Meghan felt if Kate was at the Queen’s Balmoral home she should be allowed there too. William handled the whole difficult day with finesse.”

The course of his life took another turn when he received the devastating news that both his father and wife had cancer. His Majesty, who is receiving treatment, announced on February 6 that he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer, but did not reveal which.

It was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate. He was forced to take a step back from royal duties, with the Prince of Wales stepping in for official engagements. Meanwhile, Kate announced on March 23 that she was in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis.

In a video statement, Catherine said the news was a “huge shock” after an “incredibly tough couple of months”. Earlier in the year, Kate, 42, had undergone abdominal surgery and tests following the operation found that cancer had been present.

“Kate gives him the security, love and friendship he needs” ( 
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Getty Images)
Touching on the importance of stability in his life, Ingrid continued: “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.

“His life with Kate gives him the security, love and friendship he needs. He doesn’t dwell upon the loss of his mother but knows the feeling of hurt will never go away completely.” Ingrid says the events of the past year have brought William and Charles closer, as they both grieve the loss of the late Queen, while William has also learnt a lot more from his father as he prepares to be the next King.

“They have clashed about many issues,” Ingrid added. “They still disagree but it is more constructive than it ever was. But just as things were going so well for the Prince and Princess of Wales, the hammer blow fell.

The royal expert has William has become a stronger person following hardships ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“His father got cancer and Kate had a serious abdominal operation. Later to announce she too had to have cancer treatment. William played both mother and father to the children while he carried on with his royal duties supporting the Queen in his father’s absence.

“The traumas of the past year have made him a stronger person. He has become the kind of man Diana always hoped he would be. Kind considerate and able to take on whatever life throws at him.”

William’s birthday on Friday comes after he was seen beaming at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. The prince waved to cheering crowds as he joined his stepmum, who wore royal blue, as well as the Earl and Countess of Halifax in a carriage during the traditional procession.

He was in attendance at the races without his wife Kate, who is still recovering following her cancer diagnosis. She joined the royals at Trooping the Colour on Saturday but is not expected at Royal Ascot this week.