A Royal Gesture During a Health Crisis
Broadway and television star Billy Porter has disclosed a touching personal gesture from Prince William, the Prince of Wales, following a serious health scare that hospitalised him earlier this year. The Pose actor, 56, was forced to leave his role as the Emcee in the Broadway production of Cabaret in September after being diagnosed with a severe case of sepsis.
The Sepsis Scare That Halted a Career
Billy Porter's run in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club came to an abrupt end when he was hospitalised. In a statement released at the time, the show's producers announced the painful decision to close the Broadway production on September 21, a full month ahead of its scheduled finale. The producer, Adam Speers, expressed his honour in bringing the masterpiece to New York and extended his wishes for Porter's speedy recovery, stating he looked forward to working with the actor again soon.
The NHS describes sepsis as a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Porter has since made a full recovery and has even been spotted on a public 'date night' with Eric Anderson, confirming a new relationship following his split from husband Adam Smith after six years of marriage.
A Card from a Prince
While recuperating, Porter received a surprise in the post: a get-well-soon card from Prince William. The pair had previously met in Cape Town, South Africa, last year, when Porter co-hosted the fourth edition of the Earthshot Prize. Speaking to Hello Magazine, the actor revealed, "He heard that I was ill and he sent me a get-well card. That's the kind of human being he is."
Porter went on to praise the Prince's character, describing him as "very grounded, very kind, very present to everybody around him at all times." He expressed feeling humbled and blessed to have hosted the Earthshot Prize, adding, "You know, it's a really hard job and it's just effortless to him. His kindness and his presence have no bounds." This heartfelt revelation highlights a personal connection forged during their work on the global environmental award.
