‘Who Is Prince William’s +1?’: Pics of Prince William Sitting with a Woman at Event Dinner Spark Debate

Prince William recently attended a charity gala dinner where a woman sat between him and Tom Cruise. Onlookers wondered who she might be.

At the recent Black and White Gala hosted at Raffles London, an affair that successfully raised a notable $1.44 million for London's Air Ambulance, a few candid snapshots have inadvertently stirred an online debate brimming with speculation and curiosity about a woman sat between attendees Tom Cruise and Prince William.

Social media has been abuzz with questions and remarks, with X users eagerly inquiring, "Who is Prince William’s +1?" and other exclaims such as, "Who's that on Kate's chair!"

The attendance of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at the event, along with distinguished VIPs like Cruise and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, was anticipated to be the evening's highlight.

However, the online community seemed just as, if not more, engrossed by the unidentified woman seated next to the Prince. Comments ranged from lighthearted jests like, "Looks like he and Tom have dates," to more perplexed and concerned reactions with tweets stating, "This is so unhinged. What did he do to Kate and who is that?"

The woman is Julia Leal, an aviation trader, consultant and the co-founder of Airlounge Aviation. She is also the founder of the London's Air Ambulance Charity Philanthropy Board.

Nonetheless, the gala's success is unmistakable, with the funds raised contributing significantly toward the ambitious $18 million goal needed for the replacement of the service's two helicopters.

The gala, which took place on February 7, has been the most successful to date, and the London Air Ambulance Charity has extended profound gratitude towards its royal patron and the guests for their support, which ensures the continuation of the life-saving services provided to the city of London.

As previously reported on February 8:

Hours ago, a video of Prince William was posted online in which he addressed the recent health news concerning King Charles III and Princess Catherine. The Prince of Wales attended a benefit during which he thanked people for their well wishes and kind words.

This is the first time Prince William has commented on the King of England's cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales' abdominal surgery. During the speech he gave, Prince William highlighted how much the overwhelming support the royal family has received means to them.

He went on to divulge, "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus. So I thought I'd come to an Air Ambulance function to get away from it all." The public has reacted with concern for the Prince's appearance and continues to pray for him and his family.

Speaking of Prince William, one person noted, "His eyes look very sad." Another commented, "Prince William looked like he lost some weight. I'm sure this has been a very stressful time for him and his family."

Someone else stated, "William has been through so much. But he is strong." Another fan expressed, "Good to see you back Prince William. You have a lot on your plate, and still carry yourself with grace and dignity! ❤️ Praying for The King and Princess Catherine 🙏🏼🙏🏼."

Another social media user wrote, "All class, no doubt the last few weeks have taken a toll." A fan praised, "What a great speech, William, always charming and grateful 😍[sic]." Someone else encouraged, "I am 81, and I am a survivor of cancer. So there is hope for the King to survive his cancer."

Many believe King Charles III will emerge victorious from his cancer battle and remain faithful, including royal biographer Robert Hardman. Regarding the King's cancer, Robert disclosed, "He's a fighter and has an inner steel."

Until then, the King's valiant eldest son has stepped up to undertake some of his father's duties. However, King Charles does not want his son to be burdened by the pressures that come along with the responsibilities of stepping up.

According to a source who spoke to a news outlet, King Charles III has always been the kind of father who did not want to put royal pressure on his children too early. Additionally, no plans have been made yet to appoint Counsellors of State to act on the King of England's behalf.

As previously reported on February 5:

King Charles is confronting a new health challenge, following a recent procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with cancer. During the procedure for benign prostate enlargement, doctors discovered the cancer as well.

His Majesty has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been advised to postpone public-facing duties. He will, however, continue to handle state business and official paperwork as usual.

The King expressed his gratitude towards his medical team for their prompt intervention, made possible by his recent hospital visit. He remains optimistic about his treatment and aims to return to full public duties soon.

King Charles has chosen to publicize his diagnosis to prevent speculation and hopes it will help increase public understanding of cancer. The monarch is determined to assist others affected by the disease.

The public has rallied on social media to express support and wishes for King Charles following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. Comments like "Get well soon your Majesty, prayers for your recovery" underscore the concern and hope for the monarch's swift recuperation.

Voices from around the world are reaching out, with one user stating, "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family." This sentiment reflects the global community's solidarity with the British royal family during this time.

As previously reported on January 30:

As a positive update on the health situation of the King of England, King Charles III has been discharged from The London Clinic. He walked out of the hospital, hand-in-hand with his beloved wife, Queen Camilla, on the afternoon of his discharge.

The King spent three nights at the clinic, where he received care after undergoing prostate surgery. Footage showed the happy couple, dressed smartly, smiling at the cameras as His Majesty The King waved to the public before getting into their car.

Before King Charles III exited the hospital, Queen Camilla visited him a few times while he was still there. People who saw the video of the King leaving the hospital reacted differently. One person expressed, "He looks very thin."

Another said, "Looks very healthy. But he needs more rest. Hope he finds a quiet spot for a few weeks. Scotland would be perfect 👌😊," while a third social media user who was pleased by the King's appearance stated, "Impressed that His Majesty is walking so smoothly."

King Charles III's hospital release comes just after it was announced that the Princess of Wales also left The London Clinic and returned home, where she continues to recover from her abdominal surgery.

As we continue to follow this unfolding story, a look back at our previous article provides further insights into the Queen's unwavering support for her husband, the King, as previously reported on January 29:

Since his hospitalization, footage and pictures of Queen Camilla visiting her husband, King Charles III, have sparked online buzz. So far, the Queen has been seen visiting His Majesty The King three times.

Following his corrective surgery, King Charles III has been recovering at the same hospital where the Princess of Wales, Princess Catherine, is. During her first visit, a smiling Queen Camilla adorned a navy dress as she left the hospital and entered her car.

A video of her second visit showed her royal driver and security team escorting her from The London Clinic. She was dressed in a green and white ensemble. Many had differing opinions when social media users saw Queen Camilla during her visits.

One person felt strongly about Queen Camilla's visits being her obligation as the King's wife. They expressed, "These shouldn't be the news headline because it was her duty as his wife to visit the husband." Another asserted, "Camilla should say very short words concerning her husband. Bizarre." Someone else noted, "Her eyes aren't smiling."

Despite the opinions of some, others praised Queen Camilla and continued to send their well wishes to the King. One fan gushed, "The King is lucky to have such a devoted Queen by his side ❤️❤️❤️❤️."

Another wrote, "Well, I noticed she had a smile on her face. I hope all is well. Hope the King gets discharged soon." Someone else stated, "He has always been the love of her life and vice versa."

Before her recent trips to the hospital, Queen Camilla gave a quick update on how her beloved husband has been doing since his operation. In a TikTok video, she divulged, "He's fine, thank you very much. He's looking forward to getting back to work."

The 15-second-long video ends with the Queen walking away from the person who asked her how King Charles III was doing and showed her going to address a group of children.

As previously reported on January 26:

King Charles III and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton are facing health issues, leading to the postponement of their royal engagements. Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery and will be in a London hospital for two weeks from January 16, 2024.

Both senior royals have had to reschedule their previously arranged public commitments in the coming weeks. Kate, married to Prince William, the heir to the throne, is expected to make a full recovery.

King Charles III was also set to undergo a corrective procedure on January 26, 2024. Buckingham Palace announced on January 17, 2024, that the procedure was for the King's enlarged prostate but that his condition was benign.

The King was photographed ahead of his planned operation on his way from Clarence House to a London clinic. He went into the same clinic where Kate underwent surgery and even passed by to visit his daughter-in-law. After he was admitted, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King thanked all who sent him good wishes.

The public has sent love and prayers to the Princess and the King as they start their respective recovery journeys. "❤️‍🙏 to both," one person wrote. The public also wished the two a "speedy recovery." "Wishing King Charles and Princess Catherine a speedy recovery. God Save The King and Catherine of Wales," another person said.

The Princess and His Majesty's health updates were given to avoid speculation if they both fail to attend upcoming events or if some occasions are canceled. A spokesperson for King Charles III also announced the postponement of his public engagements during his recovery.

Several events on the royal family's agenda, including visits by foreign dignitaries and members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Cabinet to Dumfries House in Scotland, have already been rescheduled.

The Princess of Wales and the King are expected to recover fully and resume their public engagements. Still, as they recuperate, they can count on the public's well-wishes for a speedy recovery.