Prince William honors Dame Deborah James at Bowelbabe Fund gala

Prince William delivered a pre-recorded video tribute to the late Dame Deborah James during the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball in London. The gala, held on what would have been James’ 45th birthday, honored her legacy as a cancer campaigner.

In his message, the Prince of Wales praised James’ “rebellious hope,” a term she used to describe her positivity and humor while facing adversity. He noted that the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK has made significant progress over the last four and a half years, investing in pioneering research to help people spend more time with loved ones.

Dame Deborah James, who died in 2022 at age 40, launched the fund shortly before her death. Her fundraising efforts eventually reached millions of pounds to support bowel cancer research and awareness. The event featured performances by Sophie Ellis Bextor and the West End cast of Disco Inferno, with James’ husband, Sebastien Bowen, stating the ball captured her energy and ability to unite people behind a cause.