Dame Deborah James smiling on BBC and Kate and Prince William during royal engagement
Royals

Prince William and Kate Middleton honour Dame Deborah James’s legacy

Deborah has died following her bowel cancer battle

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Dame Deborah James has been remembered by Prince William and Kate Middleton in a touching tribute.

Deborah sadly died on Tuesday at the age of 40 following her courageous battle with bowel cancer.

Now, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released a message via their Twitter to pay tribute to Deborah.

William and Kate tribute

They wrote: “We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.

Read more: Dame Deborah James’ mum admits her ‘heart is broken’ in tribute following her death

“Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.

“Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on. W & C.”

Deborah James in floral outfit during BBC Breakfast interview
Deborah has died following her battle with bowel cancer (Credit: BBC)

In May, William paid a personal visit to Deborah to give her a Damehood.

Deborah was made a Dame following her incredible fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK.

She has raised more than £7million through her BowelBabe Fund.

At the time, Deborah said she felt “honoured” that William turned up at her parents’ home, where she was receiving end-of-life care.

William also previously spoke about meeting Deborah and her family during a royal engagement in May.

Kate Middleton and Prince William walking during royal engagement
William and Kate paid tribute to Deborah on Twitter (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)

Dame Deborah James death

He said: “I met her children as well. It was very difficult talking to them about it but they seem to have been talking about the situation a lot.

“That’s so important in those moment that the family talk and communicate about it and the children are brought into what is going on.”

On Tuesday evening, Deborah’s family released a statement to confirm her death.

It read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)

“She was the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, and mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.”

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They added: “A few final things from Deborah…’find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.’ (Shared with Deborah’s permission).”

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Leave your tributes to Deborah on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)