Prince William has paid homage to the "incomparable" Dame Deborah James in a moving video message.
The Prince of Wales, 44, made a surprise appearance in a pre-recorded message at the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball in London on what would have been the campaigner’s 45th birthday.
He recalled: "What struck me was Deborah’s positivity and humour in the face of adversity – what she liked to call 'rebellious hope'".
He described Dame Deborah, who died in 2022, as "an amazing woman" and said her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK had achieved so much in the last four-and-a-half years, investing in pioneering research that was "giving more people more time with the ones they love".
© Simon WayHeir to the throne William told guests, including Dame Deborah’s friends and family: "Tonight would have been Deborah’s 45th birthday and I know she would have wanted everyone dancing, celebrating and making memories.
"I hope you all have a wonderful evening celebrating the legacy of the incomparable Dame Deborah James."
Dame Deborah's moving gala
The fundraising ball, which was hosted by TV presenter Gaby Roslin at the Hurlingham Club, featured performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and the West End cast of the production Disco Inferno.
© Photo: InstagramDame Deborah’s husband Sebastien Bowen said: "On what would’ve been Deborah’s 45th birthday, we wanted to honour her memory and the Rebel Ball captured so much of what made her special: her energy, her courage and her ability to bring people together behind a cause she believed in."
There was a poignant pledge moment from Deborah’s children Hugo, 19, and Eloise, 16, in which they shared what rebellious hope means to them.
© Simon WayThe Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK supports cutting‑edge research and raises awareness of bowel cancer.
It was launched by Dame Deborah in May 2022 with an initial target of £250,000.
Prince William's close relationship with Dame Deborah James
The You, Me And The Big C podcast host, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, was given a damehood for her fundraising efforts, which soared into the millions.
The honour was personally conferred by William, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne while she was receiving hospice-at-home care, just weeks before she died at the age of 40.
William and his wife, the Princess of Wales, reunited with Sebastien back in June for a reception for Cancer Research UK back in June.
During Thursday's gala, Sebastien thanked the Prince for his continued support of the fund, saying: "We’re also incredibly grateful to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales for his kind words about Deborah and continued support of the Fund and its work."
The gala came after the Prince visited Wales on Thursday, sympathising with residents in the rural settlement of Skenfrith about extreme weather events in the region, including flooding.
