Prince William will make his first public appearance today since the health of the royal family took a hit (file photo)
Britain’s Prince William returned to public duties on Wednesday after his wife Kate Middleton underwent surgery and news of King Charles’ cancer came to light, with the heir to the throne set to take on a larger role in his father’s absence.
After Kate Middleton, 42, underwent planned abdominal surgery on January 16, Prince William postponed all planned events to care for his three children.
His father has since been treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as Kate Middleton, before Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that follow-up tests on the 75-year-old monarch revealed he had some form of cancer.
Prince William, 41, will make his first public appearance since members of the royal family have suffered a series of health blows on Wednesday, when he will be formally bestowed with state honors at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, followed by a dinner in honor of the royal family. London Air Ambulance Charity.
With the king postponed official duties while undergoing outpatient treatment and Kate Middleton not expected to return to work until after Easter, the remaining members of the royal family, especially Prince William and Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles, will have responsibilities Provide an image to the public. monarchical.
Royal author Robert Hardman said that towards the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, when Queen Elizabeth was hampered by her mobility issues, Prince William had assumed important state responsibilities.
“It’s not that different in that respect, but there’s obviously a burden of expectations,” Hardman told Reuters. “In many cases he has to step in and he will be a quasi-head of state, like Charles when the Queen was infirm. The prince’s role is the same.”
The king traveled with Camilla to Sandringham Palace, his home in eastern England, on Tuesday for a brief meeting of about 30 minutes with his estranged son, Prince Harry. Prince Harry flew from California to visit his father after the king told him he had cancer.
Prince Harry has had little conversation with many members of the Windsor family since stepping down from royal duties nearly four years ago after being critical of the monarchy. A royal source said he has no plans to meet his brother Prince William during his visit to the UK.
Despite the diagnosis, King Charles plans to continue much of his private work as monarch, including weekly meetings with the prime minister and working on national newspapers.
Buckingham Palace did not reveal any details about the condition other than to say it was not prostate cancer, but said the king remained “fully positive” and looked forward to returning to public duties as soon as possible.
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