Loyal William is shouldering an unimaginable burden...but is doing so with dignity and calm stoicism

THE Prince of Wales' courage and dignity in the face of a personal maelstrom proves he is worthy to be a King in waiting, experts said last night.

- Giles Sheldrick

William, 41, is facing the biggest test of his life as his father and wife both battle cancer. He remains estranged from his younger brother Harry, has three children to protect and is heir to the throne at a time of breakneck change.

The Prince has faced the onslaught with maturity and responsibility and those closest to him say there is no one better equipped to deal with the unprecedented challenges.

Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's official spokesman between 1988 and 2000, said: "This is a test of William's mettle like no other. If anything could go wrong, it has.

"His dad has cancer, his wife has cancer and he wants to be there because he is a family man.

"At the same time, he is a senior member of the Royal Family and has to carry out functions, engaging with the public.

"And, as was the case in Sheffield last week, you would never know anything was wrong or was troubling him.

"He is marvellous with the public and all the while was having to contend with all these ghastly conspiracy theories banged out by supposedly intelligent people who really should know better." Mr Arbiter, 83, added: "It is a test of the man's strength and what the Royal Family is doing, as it always has done, is not to panic.

"There is concern, obviously, but there is no crisis. It is keeping calm and carrying on and William is keeping calm and carrying on.