Royal Family 'shellshocked' over health problems and Thomas Kingston's death: 'It's facing new challenges'

The start of 2024 has "proved exceptionally difficult" for the Royal Family, expert Jennie Bond has told OK! Earlier this year it was revealed Kate Middleton would be undergoing abdominal surgery and stepping back from public duties for a number of months.

King Charles also underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate and has since confirmed he has cancer. In recent weeks, the family suffered the devastating loss of Thomas Kingston, the late husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor.

Reflecting on the tough start of the year for the Royal Family, expert Jennie Bond told OK!: "Every year seems to bring its challenges for the Royal Family. "This year has proved exceptionally difficult in these first three months.They won’t be immune to the public debate about whether they are successfully facing up to the challenges, whether they are too sparse in numbers, and whether they should be more open about health problems. "They will be aware of the frenzy of uninformed, ignorant conspiracy theories online — but will hopefully take no notice." Jennie continued: "I imagine the family is feeling pretty shell-shocked by Catherine’s operation, the King’s prostate treatment ..so quickly followed by a cancer diagnosis…and then the death of Thomas Kingston. "It has been a tough start to 2024 and surely things can only get better from here?

The hope is that after Easter we shall see the Princess resuming engagements and the King winning his battle with cancer." The former BBC royal commentator added Thomas's death would have been particularly difficult for William, who was close in age.