Prince William has "a lot on his shoulders" in his return to solo royal duties without Princess Catherine, it has been claimed.
The Prince of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to greet the Emperor and Empress of Japan, as they arrived in London for their official state visit.
On his 42nd birthday, William appeared joyous as he took Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert at Wembley Stadium, where the Royal Family captured a cheeky selfie with the pop star.
Speaking to GB News about the Prince's latest outing, former Royal Correspondent Charles Rae claimed that he has "a lot on his shoulders" as he continues to engage in senior royal engagements, alongside looking after Princess Kate, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to greet the Emperor and Empress of Japan
PA
Reacting to the procession at Horse Guards Parade, host Emily Carver highlighted to Rae that William appeared "solitary" alongside the Japanese royalty.
Rae agreed, responding: "He does have a lot on his shoulders. I think anybody would if they have got a very close relative like Catherine battling away cancer.
"He's got to carry on doing his royal duties as well. I'm not suggesting other people don't work when they've got cancer, but William has got to carry on."
Noting William's trip to see the Taylor Swift concert, Rae praised the Prince for "taking time out" to be with his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Prince William joined Hirofumi Nakasone in the carriage procession as Japan began their state visit
PA
He told GB News: "It was nice to see him the other night taking some time out with George and Charlotte at the Taylor Swift concert, where Twitter has gone into a meltdown because of his dad dancing. I don't think he did that bad to be perfectly honest."
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Turning the discussion to reports that Taylor Swift had "chosen royal sides" by posting a selfie with Prince William despite her affiliations with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Rae affirmed that William and Swift have been "quite friendly" for several years.
Rae explained: "Let's not forget that they are quite friendly, Taylor Swift and Prince William - a year or so ago she enticed him up to join her and Jon Bon Jovi in a quick sing along of Livin' on a Prayer.
"So it's not as if they've just suddenly met, they are quite friendly."
Highlighting the reactions of Princess Charlotte and Prince George, Rae praised the "fantastic picture" of them all together and how the "smiles on the children's faces" shows how happy they are.
The Prince of Wales spent his 42nd birthday at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert with Princess Charlotte and Prince George
X / Taylor Swift / Kensington Palace
The Prince of Wales greeted the Emperor and Empress of Japan at their hotel before travelling with them in a convoy of cars to Horse Guards Parade.
Following a lunch at Buckingham Palace, the King will join the Emperor and Empress to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan, before attending a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
The events will also be attended by Prince William, but Princess Kate will miss the opening day of Japan's State Visit.