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Andrew Lloyd Webber 'devastated' as eldest son Nicholas, 43, is 'critically ill' with gastric cancer

Andrew Lloyd Webber said his son, whom he had with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the deadly disease for the last 18 months

LONDON, ENGLAND: Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed how he was "absolutely devastated" because his eldest son Nicholas is "critically ill" as he battles gastric cancer in the hospital. The legendary composer, 74, shared the heartbreaking update in a statement.

Andrew said his son, whom he had with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the deadly disease for the last 18 months. The 'Phantom of The Opera' creator made the revelation while explaining why he wouldn't be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical 'Bad Cinderella.' The composer recently expressed his gratitude for being asked to create a piece for King Charles' coronation in May.

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'Nick is critically ill'

"I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is critically ill," Andrew wrote. "As my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalized. I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew, and orchestra on Opening Night this Thursday." He added, "We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humor, but at the moment my place is with him and the family."

Following in his acclaimed father's footsteps, Nicholas is a successful composer in his own right. He has written 'Fat Friends The Musical' aside from several TV and film scores. He is reportedly married to musician Polly Wiltshire, who featured on the soundtrack of his father's 2019 movie 'Cats'. That said, Andrew is also a father to Imogen, 44, Isabella, 26, Alastair, 30, and William, 29, per the Daily Mail.

Coronation of King Charles III

The heartbreaking update comes shortly after Andrew revealed he was chosen by King Charles to create one of 12 musical arrangements for his coronation in May. The monarch personally selected the musical program for the ceremony scheduled on May 6 at Westminster Abbey. The event hopes to showcase a range of musical talents and styles from the UK and the Commonwealth. Charles has also asked for Greek Orthodox music to be played in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in 2021. It will reportedly be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.

British composers have created six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions, and one organ commission for the ceremony, with styles ranging from classical, sacred, film, and television, to musical theatre. Lloyd-Webber, known for hit musicals such as 'Evita' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar', said he was "incredibly honored" to have been asked to compose a new anthem for the King. "My anthem includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98. I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra," he explained, adding, "I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion."

According to the Daily Mail, a Coronation March has been composed by Patrick Doyle, while Iain Farrington has created a piece for the solo organ comprising musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth. Furthermore, the ceremony will also feature new works by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O'Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, and Debbie Wiseman, per the newspaper.