Prince William returned to royal duties today for the first time after his father, King Charles III, announced his cancer diagnosis and Kate Middleton was hospitalized due to abdominal surgery.
The 41-year-old future king thanked the public for their “kind get-well messages” at a charity gala dinner, marking his first public acknowledgement of his family’s health issues.
Earlier, he presided over an investiture at Windsor Castle.
“In the past few weeks, we have been, shall we say, rather in the medical spotlight, so I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to escape from it all,” he continued in a lighter tone.
The Queen, a former air ambulance helicopter pilot, attended the gala in formal attire, where she met other pilots and engaged in conversations with celebrities such as Tom Cruise.
King Charles Jr. is currently receiving outpatient treatment for an unspecified cancer diagnosis.
Many cancer patients today undergo treatment and achieve remission or complete recovery from their illness, according to oncologists.
Following Kate’s surgery for an unspecified condition, William took a temporary break from his public duties to assist in caring for their three young children.
Formerly known as Kate Middleton, now as the Princess of Wales, it is expected she will return to her public duties around April.
Charles was diagnosed with cancer this week, adding further strain to the royal family.
To focus on his treatment and recovery, the monarch has decided to suspend all public appearances.
While Charles is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, he will continue to fulfill his administrative duties such as reviewing and signing government documents.
Sally Bedell Smith, author of “Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life,” said, “His absence puts strong pressure on the other members of the royal family, but they will surely manage.”
The recovery of the Princess of Wales, one of the shining members of the royal family, recovering from surgery, only intensifies the existing pressure.
As the king continues to recover, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call him Wednesday evening to convey his best wishes.
Live audience events are expected to resume later this month.
Unfortunately, Charles’s illness has come at an inopportune time for the House of Windsor.
The king, who ascended the throne just 17 months ago, has pledged to reduce the costs of the monarchy, including limiting the number of “working royals” whose public duties are supported by taxpayers.
But with two of the most prominent family members ill, it becomes more challenging for the family to keep up.
In addition to the widespread pomp and ceremony of royal processions and state visits, the Windsors participate in hundreds of lesser-known events each year to recognize public achievements and mark local events such as the opening of libraries and community centers.
Hundreds of charitable organizations value royal appearances, which make their work visible and credible, attracting potential donors.
The 75-year-old king was seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday, leaving his offices at Clarence House after a brief meeting with his younger son, Prince Harry.
Harry arrived in London from California less than 24 hours after the king’s cancer diagnosis was announced.
The meeting has raised hopes that the two can repair their difficult relationship, after Harry publicly criticized the royal family for unconscious racism and complained about the treatment of his American biracial wife, former actress Meghan Markle, by palace officials.
Harry and Meghan, once seen as stars of the royal family who could help reach a younger generation, withdrew from their royal duties in 2020 and now live in California.
