Prince William returns to public duties as King and Kate remain sidelined
Charles’ absence is putting pressure on other members of the Royal Family
LONDON Prince William returned to royal duties Wednesday for the first time since his father, King Charles III, announced his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalized for abdominal surgery.
William performed an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and attended a fundraising dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity on Wednesday.
The 41-year-old heir to the throne temporarily stepped away from public duties last month to help care for Kate and their children following her operation for an undisclosed condition. The Princess of Wales, formerly Kate Middleton, isn’t expected to resume public duties until April.
But Charles’ cancer diagnosis this week is putting extra pressure on the Royal Family, with the King suspending his public appearances to focus on treatment and recovery. While receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, Charles will continue with behind-thescenes work such as reviewing and signing state papers.
“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, author of “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” magnifies those strains.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was expected to call the King Wednesday evening to wish him well as he recovers. In-person audiences are expected to resume later this month.
Charles’ illness comes at an awkward time for the House of Windsor.
The King, who ascended the throne just 17 months ago, has pledged to reduce the cost of the monarchy, in part by keeping a lid on the number of “working royals” whose public duties are supported by taxpayer funds.
But with two of the most visible family members out sick, it will be more challenging for the family to keep up.