Prince William hails Dame Deborah James's 'rebellious hope' in surprise video tribute at inaugural Rebel Ball

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026.

Sixteen-year-old Eloise James moved the room to tears, telling guests she loses her mother "over and over again" every time she misses her. Prince William appeared in a surprise pre-recorded video message at the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball in London, held on what would have been Dame Deborah's 45th birthday. Hosted by Gaby Roslin and featuring performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the gala raised funds for Cancer Research UK. Sebastien Bowen, Dame Deborah's husband, said the evening captured "her energy, her courage and her ability to bring people together."

Eloise said she still sends her mum a message on her birthday, adding: 'For a moment, it feels like I'm still talking to her.'

William praised Dame Deborah as "an amazing woman" whose fund was "giving more people more time with the ones they love."

Dame Deborah died in 2022 aged 40 after a six-year bowel cancer battle; William personally conferred her damehood weeks before her death.