While many in Prince William and Princess Catherine’s tight circle have remained close-lipped about the princess’s medical crisis, this is the first time a close friend has spoken shocking details about the couple and Catherine’s current health condition the royal family is hiding. Hello, royal enthusiasts! We’re only 5 months in, and it’s already proven to be a year like no other. Many royal fans were delighted this month as the king returned to public engagements with the “back in Action.” It is hoped the Princess of Wales will have more peace and quiet as she navigates her own recovery.

The gaps in the royal family lineup have been apparent over recent months, but now Buckingham Palace has issued a roadmap for the king’s return to public duties. Yet, the invisible burden of royal responsibility placed on both Catherine and William’s shoulders tell us what you think. How do you feel about Princess Catherine’s role in the royal family as they move forward? The road ahead for William and Catherine is uncertain. The journey through cancer treatment is often unpredictable and demanding.

The palace has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the diagnosis and treatment plan. However, sources close to the Royals indicate a determined effort to maintain normalcy, particularly for their three young children. As a stylist for the prince and princess of Wales’s three children since Prince George was a baby, Arietta has shared a worrying update on the couple following Princess Catherine’s cancer diagnosis. “I’m heartbroken at the moment. I think they are going through hell. I hope they will be back. It’s really personal,” Arietta said. It’s been incredibly tough on them both,” the friend added. “Katherine has always been the pillar of strength, always so composed. Seeing her cope with the pain and the treatments has been heart-wrenching for William and everyone who cares about her.”

While it’s unclear what made her share the concerning update as the princess continues to receive chemotherapy for her condition, Arietta’s heartfelt disclosure of the seriousness of the Royals’ condition has laid bare the raw vulnerability of the royal couple as they navigate through this deeply personal and challenging chapter of their lives. The King has always been close with his beloved daughter-in-law, but following the announcement of the princess’s cancer diagnosis, a source said that Charles is willing to do anything he can to support her. However, the resilience and dedication the couple has shown in the face of these challenges suggest that their bond will only continue to strengthen and evolve.

Last week, the royal couple delighted royal fans with a new picture of their youngest child, Prince Louie, on his sixth birthday. And they did the same next week as their only daughter, Princess Charlotte, turns nine. But before Charlotte’s big day, the couple marked their 13th wedding anniversary. And although fans would love to be treated to new pictures of the couple, they are not expected to. Traditionally, royal anniversaries are occasions for public celebration and shared joy, but this year, sources close to the royal family suggest that Prince William and Catherine are opting for a much more private commemoration.

Respecting Catherine’s need for privacy and rest, the couple is reportedly planning a quiet day with their three children, focusing on the comfort and intimacy of family during this trying time. Royal watchers speculate on the form their anniversary celebration might take, perhaps a heartfelt exchange of gifts, a walk down memory lane at a cherished location, or a simple intimate dinner. The focus, they believe, will be on reaffirming their love and commitment in the face of adversity throughout their marriage.

William and Catherine have consistently presented a united front, seamlessly working together both in their public duties and private life. Now, more than ever, William’s role as a supportive husband is crucial. Insiders reveal that the prince has been an unwavering pillar of strength for Catherine, balancing his royal responsibilities with his commitments at home to ensure that she feels supported every step of the way.

The comment comes weeks after the Princess of Wales announced that she was diagnosed with cancer following a planned abdominal surgery. In the video message on March 22, Kate said the news came as a “huge shock” and she and her family needed time to deal with the news before sharing it with the public.

“It has taken time for me to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she said at the time. “But most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK”

Middleton had not been seen in public since Christmas Day, and as weeks passed—and only obscured or edited images emerged of the royal—the public began intensely speculating about her whereabouts.

William had taken some time off earlier in the year to care for his wife, as well as taking at least three weeks off for the Easter holiday. The couple reportedly spent the time with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis on the Sandringham Estate. But William’s royal schedule is now back in full force.

The couple celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on April 29, sharing a never-before-seen photo captured by Millie Pilkington to mark the occasion.

Tuesday also marked King Charles III’s return to public duties since he was also diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February. The monarch’s first official visit was a cause close to home, as he and Queen Camilla visited a cancer treatment center in London.

The visit aimed to highlight the lifesaving research conducted at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, while stressing the importance of early cancer diagnoses.