Prince William honors late Dame Deborah James at charity Rebel Ball

The Prince of Wales delivered a surprise video tribute at the first Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball, celebrating the birthday that would have marked Dame Deborah James’s 45th year. William recalled James’s “rebellious hope” and commended the fund’s achievements in backing cutting-edge bowel-cancer research that gives patients more time with loved ones. Hosted by TV presenter Gaby Roslin in London, the evening included musical numbers from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and the West End production Disco Inferno.

James’s husband, Sebastien Bowen, noted the ball reflected her energy, bravery, and talent for uniting people around a cause. The Bowelbabe Fund, launched in May 2022, originally aimed to raise £250,000 and has since grown to multi-million-pound contributions. William’s involvement also recalled his personal meeting with James during her hospice care weeks before she died at age 40.