Prince William made his first return to royal duties following the announcement of his father, King Charles III’s, cancer and Kate Middleton’s hospitalization for abdominal surgery.The 41-year-old future king thanked the public at a charity gala dinner for their “kind messages of support” after speaking publicly about his family’s health problems for the first time. Earlier in the day, he had presided over an investiture at Windsor Castle.“The last few weeks have been, you might say, medically focused, so I thought I’d come to an air ambulance show to get away from it all,” he continued jovially.The queen, a former air ambulance helicopter pilot, attended the black-tie event where she met other pilots and chatted with celebrities including Tom Cruise.El Rey Jr. is receiving outpatient treatment for an unidentified malignancy.
According to oncologists, many cancer patients can now receive treatment and achieve complete remission or eradication of their disease.Following Kate’s operation for an unnamed condition, William took a temporary leave of absence from public duties to help care for their three young children. It is likely to be until April before the former Kate Middleton, now known as the Princess of Wales, returns to her public duties.Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this week, adding further strain to the royal family. To concentrate on his treatment and recovery, the monarch has decided to cease all public appearances. Although Carlos is receiving treatment for an unknown type of cancer, he will continue to perform his administrative duties, such as examining and signing state documents.
Sally Bedell Smith, author of “Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life,” said: “His absence is putting a lot of pressure on the other members of the royal family, who are certainly up to the task.” Furthermore, the recovery of the Princess of Wales, one of the royal family’s most prominent stars, from surgery only adds more pressure to the already existing one.As the king continues to recover, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call him on Wednesday night to send his best wishes. Later this month, live hearings are expected to begin again.Unfortunately for the House of Windsor, Charles’ illness has come at an awkward time.
The king, who ascended the throne just 17 months ago, has pledged to reduce the cost of the monarchy, in part by keeping in check the number of “working royals” whose public duties are supported by taxpayer funds.But with two of the most visible family members sick, it will be more challenging for the family to keep up.
In addition to the widely publicized pomp and ceremony of royal processions and state visits, the Windsors attend hundreds of little-known events each year to recognize the achievements of the general public and mark local events such as the opening of libraries and community centres. Hundreds of charities appreciate real appearances, which give visibility and credibility to their good work among potential donors.The 75-year-old king was seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis when he left his offices at Clarence House on Tuesday after a brief meeting with his youngest son, Prince Harry.
Harry arrived in London from California less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced the king’s cancer diagnosis. The meeting has raised hopes that the couple can repair their troubled relationship after Harry publicly criticized the royal family for unconscious racism and complained about how his biracial American wife and former actress, Meghan Markle, was treated by palace officials.Harry and Meghan, once seen as royal family stars who could help the Windsors connect with a younger generation, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in California.
