Prince William pays tribute at Rebel Ball for Deborah James

Prince William sent a prerecorded video tribute to the inaugural Rebel Ball in London, held to honour Dame Deborah James on what would have been her 45th birthday and raise money for the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK. The event celebrated James’s life and campaign for bowel cancer research and awareness. No total raised by the ball was reported in the supplied accounts. In his message, the Prince of Wales recalled meeting James in 2022 and presenting her with her damehood at her parents’ home. He praised her positivity and humour in the face of illness, describing the outlook she called “rebellious hope.” William said the fund was continuing to invest in research and recalled that James would have wanted guests to dance, celebrate and make memories. The ball took place at the Hurlingham Club and included performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and the West End cast of Disco Inferno. Television presenter Gaby Roslin hosted the event. James’s family and friends attended, including her husband, Sebastien Bowen, and their children. One account also described a pledge moment in which the children spoke about what rebellious hope meant to them.