William’s main priority is his wife and the children... and Charles agrees
PRINCE William will continue to put his wife and children’s welfare to the fore as he steps up to help his father.
While William will return to public duties today – after having decided to ‘clear his diary’ in order to support the Princess of Wales during and after her operation last month – he is not expected to pick up full-time royal duties yet.
After today, he has no further duties scheduled this week and will be with Kate and the children again next week during their half-term holiday.
A source said: ‘The prince has always made clear that his priority is to support his wife and family for the time being – and he did not put a timescale on that. He will make a return to duties on Wednesday but you should not expect to see him again for a bit after that.’
It is understood that his team at Kensington Palace are speaking to their opposite numbers at Buckingham Palace about which public engagements William could potentially attend in his father’s place. But with King Charles insisting on keeping his hand firmly on the tiller of State business, it is highly unlikely that William will be required to take over any constitutional matters.
It is understood that William, 41, has his father’s ‘100%’ backing in returning at his own pace.
A source said: ‘The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a wonderful job. He understands that family comes first.’
Charles has been spending an increasing amount of time at Windsor Castle since his accession, often staying over on Sunday evenings, affording him more time with his son and young grandchildren. William, who now lives in Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, a short walk from the castle, also often uses rooms in the historic royal residence for meetings.
The Princess of Wales was unexpectedly admitted to hospital last month for what has been described only as ‘abdominal surgery’.
She spent two weeks in The London Clinic and she is unlikely to start undertaking royal duties again until after Easter.
Aides said at the time that her husband had cancelled all his forthcoming engagements to be by her side and support their children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight and five-year-old Prince Louis.