Prince William’s trip to South Africa gives key indication of Princess Kate's health

The 42-year-old will be attending the event alone, leaving the Princess of Wales behind in Windsor with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

William flew to Singapore for the same award ceremony last year as Kate stayed behind to support George during his exams.

However, a royal commentator has claimed it is an “encouraging” sign that William now feels able to leave Kate for a significant period of time following the princess finishing her chemotherapy.

William was hesitant to leave his wife for longer than necessary after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, which came to an end last month.

Despite returning to some public-facing duties, the princess has been continuing to rest and recover.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal author, said: “Prince William, from the earliest days of his marriage when he was based in Angelsey and then worked with the East Anglian Air Ambulance before he took on full-time royal duties, has made it clear his family, their wellbeing and their privacy come first.

“Catherine underwent preventative chemotherapy for cancer, as she so movingly told us, and though she has finished chemotherapy, she has said she still has a long way to go.

"However, William would undoubtedly not be going to South Africa, even though the trip is for the fourth Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, if he did not feel that she was doing well and was happy coping with the family in his absence.

“The Prize is his brainchild, but we know that they are a devoted couple and what his priorities are, and that he feels able to go is another encouraging sign that she is doing well.”

The trip comes after William took a mini-break from royal duties over the last two weeks to spend half-term with his wife and children.

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The family are likely to have spent quality time together over this period.

The children are expected to return to Lambrook School on November 4.

Princess Kate first accompanied William to the Earthshot Prize Awards in London back in 2021.

The following year, she flew to Boston with the Prince of Wales for the second annual ceremony.