News | Entertainment
8 Jul 2025 20:44
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid tribute to "unfalteringly brave" Dame Deborah James following her death

    The podcaster - who was mother to Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, with husband Sebastien Bowen - sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer on Tuesday (28.06.22) at the age of 40 and Prince William and his wife Catherine have sent a personal message following the "heartbreaking" news


    They wrote on Instagram: "We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah. 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, who was nicknamed Bowelbabe, left some final words of advice for her fans, which were shared by her family in a statement announcing her death.

    The statement read: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.

    "Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.

    "Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.

    "We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah's legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund. Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible," it continued, alongside a picture of Deborah in a white dress posing in front of a gorgeous sunset.

    "And 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)."

    Last month, William personally presented Deborah with her Damehood when he joined her and her family for afternoon tea in her garden, days after she announced she had been put on end-of-life care and didn't know "how long" she had left.

    At the time, the 'You, Me And the Big C' podcaster wrote on Instagram: "Prince William actually came to our family house today!! I am utterly honoured that he joined us for afternoon tea and champagne, where he not only spent a generous amount of time talking to my whole family but also honoured me with my Damehood.

    "It's quite surreal having a royal pop in at home, and yes you can imagine the cleaning antics and preparation went off the scale - but it was all irrelevant because William was so kind and he put us all at ease."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     08 Jul: Lainey Wilson believes it is essential to "dedicate" days to her fiance
     08 Jul: Henry Cavill refused to give David Corenswet any advice about playing Superman
     08 Jul: Kelly Osbourne has hailed her father Ozzy Osbourne's final Black Sabbath concert one of the "most magical experiences" of her life
     08 Jul: Brad Pitt's first attempt at method acting caused chaos thanks to his "diabolical" flatulence
     08 Jul: Michael Douglas has "no real intentions" of acting again
     08 Jul: Jennifer Aniston finds The Morning Show to be "a beast to film"
     08 Jul: Molly Shannon thinks Kenan Thompson could replace Lorne Michaels on Saturday Night Live
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen has responded to TMO interference by laying a challenge at the foot of his team ahead of test two against France in Wellington on Saturday More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A business spokesperson says artificial intelligence will inevitably destroy jobs More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Lainey Wilson believes it is essential to "dedicate" days to her fiance 20:36

    Entertainment:
    Henry Cavill refused to give David Corenswet any advice about playing Superman 20:06

    Entertainment:
    Kelly Osbourne has hailed her father Ozzy Osbourne's final Black Sabbath concert one of the "most magical experiences" of her life 19:36

    International:
    Trump announces goods from Japan and South Korea face 25 per cent tariffs from August 1 19:07

    Entertainment:
    Brad Pitt's first attempt at method acting caused chaos thanks to his "diabolical" flatulence 19:06

    Law and Order:
    Five military-style semi-automatic weapons have been found stored in children's bedrooms - in a Napier home 18:57

    Rugby League:
    Tanah Boyd will debut for the Warriors at halfback, replacing Luke Metcalf in the NRL lineup to face the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart on Sunday 18:37

    Entertainment:
    Michael Douglas has "no real intentions" of acting again 18:36

    Education:
    Readers share their experiences on managing leave and school holidays 18:07

    Law and Order:
    A spate of vandalism in Auckland's Parnell 18:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd