Prince William 'appreciates public's kindness' as he addresses King Charles' cancer diagnosis at gala with Tom Cruise

7 February 2024, 19:43 | Updated: 8 February 2024, 12:05

By Kieran Kelly

@kellyjourno

Prince William has said he "really appreciates everyone's kindness" as he addressed King Charles' cancer diagnosis for the first time in public.

William went back to undertaking public duties today for the first time since his father's shock diagnosis.

He started the day with an investiture at Windsor Castle where he handed out more than 50 honours, before attending a gala for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) this evening - of which the Prince of Wales is patron.

"We really appreciate everyone's kind messages. Thank you," William told the crowd as he waved at those gathered outside the venue in central London.

"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!" he said.

Those attending the gala dinner for the air ambulance service included Hollywood star Tom Cruise. Despite the devastating family news, William appeared to share a joke with the Top Gun actor before the two posed for pictures together.

William is expected to step up the number of public duties he carries out in the wake of his father's diagnosis.

He is also said to be looking after his wife, Kate, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

She is expected to be out of public action until at least after Easter.

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It comes after Charles enjoyed a 'warm' meeting with his youngest son, Harry, on Tuesday, who flew back following his cancer diagnosis.

But it was reported there were no plans for the feuding brothers to reunite.

"The duke's primary reason to travel to the UK is to visit his father. If the opportunity were to arise to see the Prince of Wales then the duke would have gladly accepted it," a source close to Harry said.

William is focused on caring for Princess Kate after her abdominal surgery, which led to her staying at the London Clinic, where the King also underwent prostate treatment before tests revealed his cancer.

Harry did not stay at a royal residence, having lost Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Reports suggest he has stayed at a luxury hotel.