Prince William Pays Tribute To Absent Kate Middleton During Japan Emperor's State Visit, Royal Expert Says
Prince William moved many with his subtle tribute to his cancer-stricken wife, Kate Middleton, earlier this week, according to a royal expert.
On Tuesday, the Prince of Wales met Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan. Prince William kicked off the state visit by welcoming the Japanese guests to their hotel in London on behalf of his father, King Charles, People reported. He then traveled to the Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome with King Charles and Queen Camilla. During the ceremony, the future king noticeably "left a space" between him and the Japanese emperor as a tribute to the Princess of Wales, who couldn't join them.
"When there was the meeting on the Horse Guards Parade, the way William stood was significant," Richard Fitzwilliams, British public relations consultant and royal commentator, told GB News. "He had left a space symbolically for the love of his life, the Princess of Wales. This is something I think people were very touched by."
The Japanese State Visit to Britain is finally here🤩
— Canellecitadelle (@Canellelabelle) June 25, 2024
The King, Queen and Prince of Wales formally welcome the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Britain today, and it all started with Prince William back in work mode and greeting the Japanese Royals at their hotel😍
I love that… pic.twitter.com/SHc1MlAi1R
GB host Nana Akua also praised the heir apparent while citing Taylor Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce. The Duke of Cambridge celebrated his 42nd birthday at Swift's concert at Wembley Stadium with his kids, Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, 9, on June 21. He also met Swift's beau, and they even posed for a selfie.
"Travis Kielce said that he was a great guy," Akua said in response to Fitzwilliams' revelation. "A lot of people seem to think that he's a really special person, just from the way he has behaved and carried himself. The way he's handling everything as well. I have to say, I'm very impressed."
The 34-year-old Kansas City Chiefs player opened up about meeting the future king in his and his brother Jason Kelce's "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce" podcast. The athlete said Prince Willia was "the coolest."
(Photo : Jordan Petitt - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
"Dude, he was the coolest motherf****r," Kelce said of the royal dad of three.
Jason chimed in, "He was awesome."
"He was so cool," Travis added, doubling down on his statement.
Middleton has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March. She is still not back to her royal duties, but she joined the royal family at this year's Trooping the Colour.
According to a source, the Princess of Wales was "worried she would look tired or too thin" at her first public outing. However, she did well. Prince William and the rest of the royal family were reportedly very proud of her.
(Photo : JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
