The Prince of Wales resumed his public engagements on Thursday, making his first appearances since his wife, Catherine, disclosed her cancer diagnosis last month. Prince William, 41, visited a surplus food charity in Surrey and then a youth center in west London. Catherine, who had not been on official duties since Christmas Day, revealed her diagnosis in a video on March 22, expressing that it was a 'huge shock' and that she had already begun preventative chemotherapy after tests following an abdominal surgery in January.
Amid weeks of speculation and online conspiracy theories about her absence, Prince William's day began at Surplus to Supper, where he interacted with volunteers and assisted in loading vans with food for local groups. He engaged with chefs on strategies to address food waste and food poverty, even donning an apron to help prepare meals. During his time in the kitchen, a volunteer presented him with get-well cards for Catherine and King Charles III, who had disclosed his own cancer treatment in February.
Afterward, Prince William joined volunteers in a van to visit the Hanworth Centre Hub, a youth center benefiting from Surplus to Supper's efforts. At the center, a volunteer urged him to 'take care of' Catherine, to which he responded affirmatively. Kensington Palace stated that the visits aimed to highlight the community and environmental impacts of local organizations, particularly in reducing food waste to mitigate climate change.
Prince William's previous official engagement was on March 19 in Sheffield for his Homewards homelessness project. His recent public presence, including a surprise appearance at an Aston Villa soccer game with his eldest son, signals to royal-watchers that Catherine's health is improving. The Waleses had maintained a low profile during the school holidays, with Catherine emphasizing in her video message the importance of privacy for their family during her treatment.
King Charles has also scaled back public duties during his treatment, making a notable appearance on Easter Sunday during the family's church outing. The royal family's openness about their health challenges underscores the importance of raising awareness and supporting those facing similar struggles.
