Photo credit:  SUNBURY, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Prince William, Prince of Wales is given cards for his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales by volunteer Rachel Candappa as Claire Hopkins, Operations Director looks on (L) during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames on April 18, 2024 in Surrey, England. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (Photo by Alastair Grant-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

During his inaugural royal commitment after his wife’s cancer diagnosis, Prince William graciously acknowledged the kind sentiments directed towards Kate Middleton and King Charles. On the 18th of April, the Prince of Wales, aged 41, appeared touched when a volunteer at a food distribution charity, Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, presented him with cards intended for Princess Kate and his father, the King.

Expressing gratitude, Prince William thanked the volunteer, Rachel Candappa, in a video shared by Lizzie Robinson of ITN, remarking, “Oh some cards, you’re very kind. Thank you very much.” As reported by Chris Ship of ITV, the volunteer had devoted considerable time to crafting heartfelt messages for the recipients.

Both King Charles, aged 75, and Princess Kate, aged 42, have temporarily withdrawn from public engagements as they undergo cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace disclosed the King’s diagnosis on February 5, clarifying that it wasn’t prostate cancer, following his treatment for a benign enlarged prostate in January. Subsequently, on March 22, the Princess of Wales revealed in a video message that she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests discovered the presence of cancer following her January abdominal surgery.

Prince William accepted the cards intended for his wife and father during visits to organizations combating food waste, marking his return to royal duties after a brief hiatus spent with his family following Princess Kate’s announcement. Notably, this period coincided with a school break for their children, Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, aged 8, and Prince Louis, aged 5. The decision to delay the announcement regarding her health until their children were out of school suggests a strategic move to afford their family some private time together.

Similarly, the Prince of Wales adjusted his schedule to support his wife during her surgery on January 16, prioritizing the maintenance of their children’s routines. Previously, Prince William had expressed gratitude for the supportive messages received by his family after the palace announced the King’s cancer diagnosis during a speech at London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on February 7.

Despite undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles has continued his engagements behind the scenes, including hosting small audiences and surprising attendees with a brief public appearance following church service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday. In response to well-wishers, King Charles humbly remarked, “I’m doing my best!”

Since disclosing her health status on March 22, Princess Kate has maintained a low profile, emphasizing the need for privacy and focus on her recovery in a speech filmed in the garden of Windsor Castle. A spokesperson from Kensington Palace affirmed that she will resume official duties upon clearance from her medical team, highlighting her optimistic outlook towards a full recovery.