Prince William's thoughtful gesture to Billy Porter during ‘serious case’ of sepsis
The Pose star teamed up with William when he co-hosted the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards
Billy Porter has praised Prince William for the royal’s compassionate gesture during one of the scariest health battles of his life.
In a new interview with HELLO! magazine, the Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning actor revealed that the Prince of Wales, 43, personally reached out when Billy was hospitalised with a “serious case” of sepsis in September.
Billy Porter praises Prince William for kind gesture
“He heard that I was ill, and he sent me a get-well card,” Billy recalled. “That’s the kind of human being he is.”
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to an infection, forced Billy to abruptly withdraw from his role as the Emcee in Cabaret on Broadway.
A statement at the time from the show’s producers read: “Come hear the music play. Final performance September 21.
“Due to a serious case of sepsis, Billy Porter must also withdraw from the production. His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule.”
Although the two may seem an unlikely pair, William and Billy’s connection was forged through the Earthshot Prize.
The Pose actor co-hosted the 2024 awards ceremony in Cape Town alongside South African presenter Bonang Matheba. He later spent time with the royal at a traditional South African braai lunch with guests including Heidi Klum, Winnie Harlow and Tobe Nwigwe.
Billy recalled being moved by William’s energy and warmth, calling him “very grounded, very kind, very present to everybody around him at all times”.
“It’s a really hard job, and it’s just effortless to him,” he added. “I [felt] so humbled and blessed to host his Earthshot Prize. His kindness and his presence have no bounds.”
The star’s admiration for William follows past praise for other members of the royal family.
In 2020, Billy spoke publicly in support of Meghan Markle’s move to the US with Prince Harry.
“I like that. He married a black girl,” he gushed to Entertainment Tonight. “She was like, ‘We don’t need that money, I’ve been here before.’ I love it. She took him right on with her. I love her for it. She’s everything. I love her.”
Prince William set for ‘trip to America’
Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, could be reportedly planning a high-profile trip to the United States next summer. However, a reunion with Prince Harry and Meghan doesn’t appear to be on the cards.
According to Page Six, the Prince and Princess of Wales may travel to America in July 2026 to take part in the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.
A source “in the know” told the outlet: “This is going to be a huge year for both the US and the UK. We’re hoping all the senior royals will come over.”
Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm the trip. However, The Sun reports that King Charles and Queen Camilla are also considering a US visit in April 2026.
Back in the UK, Prince William has had a packed schedule of engagements.
Earlier this week, he carried out a series of visits across North Wales, beginning with the community-led Youth Shedz initiative in Mochdre.
He then joined young people from the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network for a beach walk in Colwyn Bay, before rounding out the day with a comedy workshop hosted by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean.
Read more: Kate Middleton’s ‘instruction’ to Prince William during BAFTAs appearance
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