For the first time since his father – King Charles – was given a cancer diagnosis and his wife – Princess of Wales – had abdominal surgery, the Prince of Wales has returned to his public duties.
Following his brief reunion with his father on Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex was spotted at London’s Heathrow Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Less than a day after the palace informed the public about the King’s health, Prince Harry, 39, took a plane to the United Kingdom. The Duchess of Sussex and her children, Prince Archie, age four, and Princess Lilibet, age two, remained at the couple’s home in Montecito, California.
Photo: © Alamy
As the organization’s patron, Prince William, 41, presided over an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday morning. He will also be present at a gala fundraising dinner this evening for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
After Catherine was hospitalized on January 16, the father of three took a temporary leave of absence from his royal responsibilities to balance taking care of his spouse and their kids.
The Princess spent 13 days at the London Clinic – the same private hospital where Charles received treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King, who only took the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, as Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday, stating that he only has a “form of cancer.”
While receiving treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, a “separate issue of concern was noted” and looked into. This led to his diagnosis.
The 75-year-old King left Clarence House the day after beginning his treatment, making his first public appearance since receiving his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday. Later, Charles and Camilla took a helicopter to Sandringham.
Prince William pictured for the first time
Photo: © Alamy
As one of his regular responsibilities, the Prince conducted the investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday morning. Ellen White, a former England football player, was among those receiving honors.
The Football Association president, William, awarded the record-breaking Lioness an MBE for her services to football.
Ellen White’s tribute to King Charles
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When questioned about her chat with the prince, Ellen told the PA news agency, “I wished the King well. I simply imagine that this must be a trying moment for the family. He was truly charming.”
“It was a really nice conversation,” she continued. He really puts you at ease; I’ve met him a few times.”
David Shreeve, who along with TV botanist David Bellamy founded an environmental action group, and Francis Dickinson, who discovered the wreck of a submarine that went missing at sea during World War II, ending an 80-year maritime mystery, are among the other recipients scheduled to attend the ceremony.
The London Air Ambulance Charity’s gala dinner this evening will raise money for its Up Against Time appeal, which aims to replace the service’s fleet of helicopters by the autumn with a sum of £15 million.
King Charles to continue weekly audiences with Prime Minister
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“We don’t in general and we are not going to get into the habit of commenting on the PM’s conversations with the King,” an official spokesman stated.
However, we have a specific agreement with the Palace to confirm that they will be speaking over the phone later.
“I know the House and the country are thinking of the King and his family,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in the Commons earlier today. We hope that His Majesty recovers quickly and that he will soon be able to resume his public duties.
Prince William’s last public engagement
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On January 11th, the Prince of Wales made his final public appearance. He went to Leeds to present former Leeds Rhinos teammates Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield with CBEs for their efforts to raise awareness and money for motor neurone disease.
Burrow said, “It is an honor to accept on behalf of the whole MND community,” after being awarded the CBE. Days such as this one enable us to maintain the disease’s prominence and to keep generating funds and awareness to combat it and support MND patients and their families.
His Royal Highness’s visit to Headingley was greatly appreciated and a wonderful experience. Speaking with him and getting to know my family was a pleasure.”
