The UK’s Prince William has spoken about his father’s cancer diagnosis for the first time as he expressed his gratitude to the public for their “kind messages of support”.
William’s words of praise, delivered during a fundraising gala dinner, also recognised those who wished his wife Kate well, as she recovers from planned abdominal surgery.
He told the guests: “It means a great deal to us all.”
The heir to the British throne was back at work yesterday supporting King Charles as his brother Harry travelled home to America following a whirlwind trip to see their father.
William had taken time off to support his family after his wife’s operation on 16 January and returned to public duties once her care and recovery had settled.
However his first day back on duty came as the royal family was dealing with the health scare surrounding his father, the head of state whose reign has passed the 17-month mark.
The prince said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all.
“It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus, so I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all.”
Weekly audiences between the king and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to resume in person in two weeks following Charles’ cancer diagnosis, it is understood.
Downing Street and Buckingham Palace took the unusual step of confirming details of a call between the two yesterday, in an attempt to show the king was carrying on with his duties.
