Prince William Returns To Public Duties At A Time When The UK Monarchy Needs Him More Than Ever

LONDON — Prince William returned to royal responsibilities on Wednesday for the first time since his father, King Charles III, revealed his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalised for stomach surgery.

William had an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. On Wednesday evening, he will attend a fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance Charity.

The 41-year-old heir to the throne took a temporary leave of absence from public duties last month to care for Kate and their children after she underwent surgery for an unidentified condition. The Princess of Wales, previously Kate Middleton, is anticipated to resume public responsibilities in April.

However, Charles’ cancer diagnosis earlier this week has put additional strain on the royal family, with the monarch halting his public appearances to focus on treatment and recovery. While undergoing treatment for an unidentified form of cancer, Charles will continue to work behind the scenes, such as examining and signing state documents.

Prince William Returns To Public Duties At A Time When The UK Monarchy Needs Him More Than Ever

“His absence is putting a lot of pressure on the other members of the royal family, who are certainly up to it,” said Sally Bedell Smith, the author of the book “Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life.” “And having one of the great stars of the royal family, the Princess of Wales, in recuperation from a surgery” further exacerbates the strain.

Following the diagnosis, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street office said he would meet weekly with the king over the phone.

Charles’ illness occurs at an inconvenient time for the House of Windsor.

The king, who rose to the throne only 17 months ago, has committed to cutting the monarchy’s costs, including limiting the number of “working royals” whose public activities are funded by taxpayers.

However, with two of the most visible family members out due to illness, the family’s ability to keep up will be tested.

Prince William Returns To Public Duties At A Time When The UK Monarchy Needs Him More Than Ever

In addition to the publicly publicised pomp and ceremony of royal processions and state visits, the Windsors attend hundreds of small-scale events each year to celebrate the achievements of the general public and mark local milestones such as the opening of libraries and community centres. Hundreds of charities value royal appearances because they increase awareness and legitimacy for their causes among potential donors.

The 75-year-old king appeared in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, leaving Clarence House on Tuesday after a brief reunion with his younger son, Prince Harry.

Prince William Returns To Public Duties At A Time When The UK Monarchy Needs Him More Than Ever

Harry travelled to London from California less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace confirmed the king’s cancer diagnosis. The encounter has generated hopes that the couple will mend their strained relationship after Harry openly chastised the royal family for unconscious racism and complained about how his American-born biracial wife, former actress Meghan Markle, was treated by palace staff.

Harry and Meghan, previously regarded as royal family stars who may help the Windsors engage with a younger generation, stepped down from official obligations in 2020 and now reside in California.

SOURCE – (AP)