Astonishingly both Charles and his daughter-in-law were then delivered the news of their cancer diagnosis within days of each other. As part of his searingly honest chat, William described the event as “the hardest year in my life”. He said the experience of witnessing his two loved ones go through their individual health woes was “brutal” and “dreadful”.

But as the royal family put on a show of unity this weekend, both at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, William spoke of his optimism for the future.

William has spoken of his desire to do things differently to his father and grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. On her 21st birthday, 21 April 1947, Princess Elizabeth was with her parents and younger sister on a tour of South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth.

Asked about the parallels of William being back in the same city 77 years later, he gave a moving insight into his plans for the future and his role in developing a modern monarchy. He said: “It’s hard to describe what that is all about, but I can only describe what I’m trying to do, and that’s I’m trying to do it differently and I’m trying to do it for my generation. And to give you more of an understanding around it, I’m doing it with maybe a smaller ‘r’ in the royal, if you like, that’s maybe a better way of saying it.

“So it’s more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people. “And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do – it helps impact people’s lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world. So that’s what I’m trying to bring, that’s what Catherine is trying to bring as well.”

Positive news of Kate’s continued recovery will be welcomed by charities across the country who rely on her support as well as her work to do with early years development of children which has been a focal point of her role in recent years.

The new government who may well choose to deploy the Prince and Princess abroad to promote ‘Brand Britain’.

Royal aides said William would play a key role at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil next year, sparking speculation they William could bring his Earthshot to South America at the same time.

A royal source said: “The prince and princess look forward to working together on issues which are close to their heart and have the capacity to affect change for as many people as possible.”