William gets back to work lightening load for King Charles after cancer diagnosis

Prince of Wales performs investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle after temporarily stepping back from his royal role three weeks ago
Robert Jobson7 February 2024

The Prince of Wales on Wednesday returned to public duties for the first time since the King was diagnosed with cancer and his wife underwent surgery.

William, 41, temporarily withdrew from his royal role three weeks ago to juggle caring for the Princess of Wales and their children following her operation. But he went back to work on Wednesday morning as he stepped up to support his father.

He held an investiture at Windsor Castle, where England footballer Ellen White was among the notable names being handed honours. The Lionesses’ record goalscorer said she gave her “best wishes” to the King when speaking with William.

In the evening, William is set to attend the gala fundraising dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity at Raffles Hotel in central London in his role as the organisation’s patron. He is expected to give a heartfelt speech at the gala, with reports suggesting William wants to “reassure the public” with his return to work.

It is understood he is likely to undertake some duties on behalf of his father while the King undergoes treatment, in addition to his own diary of engagements. The King has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers.

Rishi Sunak’s weekly audience with the monarch, due to take place later on Wednesday, will take place over the phone, No 10 has confirmed.

The confirmation of William’s return to official engagements will be seen as an attempt to signal stability within the monarchy despite the difficult times facing the royals.

Investitures at Windsor Castle
Ellen White speaks with the Prince of Wales as she is made an MBE for services to football
PA

Since the Princess of Wales underwent surgery, William has focused on supporting his wife and children as he took time away from public engagements. It is understood, however, that even while the princess recuperates at Windsor, he feels an unwavering commitment to duty and service, including investitures which he sees as an important part of his royal role. William, the Queen and the Princess Royal will be the key in holding the fort, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The 75-year-old King was on Tuesday seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis as he left Clarence House the day after starting his treatment, following a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex.

Wednesday evening’s gala dinner is raising funds for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s Up Against Time appeal, which is seeking £15 million to replace the service’s helicopter fleet by the autumn.

Wednesday’s Standard front page
Evening Standard

William — a former air ambulance pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and before that a search-and-rescue pilot — will meet crew members, former patients and supporters before delivering a short speech. London’s Air Ambulance Charity pioneered the doctor-on-board model for air ambulances and aims to bring the hospital emergency department to the scene of an incident.

While specific details about Kate’s condition remain undisclosed, it has been clarified that her health issues are unrelated to cancer. She is expected to step back from official duties until after Easter. William’s return to duty, announced prior to the revelation of the King’s diagnosis, underscores the monarchy’s adaptability when facing unexpected challenges.

The King’s absence from public engagements has raised questions about the future of his scheduled appearances, including the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. Despite assurances of his continued involvement in state affairs, uncertainties loom over his attendance at significant events too such as the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Britain's King Charles diagnosed with cancer
King Charles and Queen Camilla leaving Clarence House on Tuesday
REUTERS

Planned but not yet formally announced visits to Australia and Canada this year face potential postponement. His attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa also remains unconfirmed. But sources say the royal family remains “steadfast” and will rally around the King and support William.

Anne carried out an investiture on behalf of the King at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, before visiting family-run GH Hurt & Son in Nottingham which has provided shawls for royal newborns for more than 70 years.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he has a “form of cancer”. He was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

The Palace has called for the King’s privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities.

The State Visit Of The President Of The Republic Of Korea - Day 1
The Prince and Princess of Wales
Getty Images

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the King’s cancer had “thankfully been caught early”. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that everyone will be hoping the King “gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery”.

He added: “That’s what we’re all hoping and praying for, and I’m of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.”

Asked what it meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak said “we’ll crack on with everything”.

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