Cameron Walker says ‘cut him some slack’ as Prince William skips event after ‘horrific’ period
GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker has urged the public to “cut William and Kate some slack” after the Prince of Wales opted not to attend Jimmy Carter’s funeral today.
The heir to the throne is staying in the UK to mark Princess Kate’s 43rd birthday rather than travelling to Washington DC for the state funeral.
“It has been a brutal year, in William’s words, and they want to spend some time privately as a family,” Cameron said on GB News.
Prince Edward, the King’s brother, is representing the British Royal Family at the former US president’s funeral in Washington DC.
The 60-year-old Duke of Edinburgh travelled alone, without his wife Duchess Sophie, to pay respects following Carter’s death on December 29.
Royal fans expressed support for William’s decision on social media, with one writing: “I’m glad he won’t go… this way he can spend Catherine’s birthday with her.”
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Royal author Ingrid Seward told Newsweek that whilst Americans would have preferred to see Prince William, the decision to send Edward was “quite carefully considered”.
However, she suggested William may have “missed a trick” by not attending.
“You can’t get a bigger global stage than Jimmy Carter’s funeral today,” Seward said.
The funeral would have given William an opportunity to build on his growing status as a global statesman, following his recent diplomatic mission meeting President-elect Trump at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Washington’s National Cathedral today for Carter’s state funeral, including all five living current and former US presidents.
President Joe Biden is delivering the eulogy for the 39th president, who died aged 100.
President-elect Donald Trump was seated next to former President Barack Obama, with George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also in attendance.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Vice President-elect JD Vance and Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence were among other notable attendees.
Cameron emphasised on GB News that the royal couple deserves understanding during this period.
“It’s been a horrific period for Princess Kate with her abdominal surgery, a cancer diagnosis and having to undergo chemotherapy,” the royal correspondent said.
He noted that while it is customary for the heir to attend a former US president’s funeral, the focus should be on allowing William and Catherine private family time during this challenging period.