Prince William Attends His First Engagement Since Kate Middleton Announced She Has Cancer

Since Kate Middleton announced she had cancer just as her three children started their Easter holidays, the Wales family has been spending time privately together. And today, Prince William stepped out for his first public engagement since the announcement to spend the day shining a spotlight on community organizations in the south east of England.

William visited Surplus to Supper, a charity which redistributes surplus food across Surrey and West London this lunchtime. Then he traveled to Middlesex to meet with the organization Hanworth Centre Hub, which receives Surplus to Supper deliveries three times per week to serve to young people and families. Keen to begin highlighting the work of the charity right away, William wore an apron and chopped celery in the kitchen.

One volunteer gave the Prince two cards in an exchange that was posted on social media by ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship. He wrote that the cards were for Kate and the King. In the footage, William can be heard saying, “You’re very kind,” as he received them.

While this was William’s first day of public engagements since Kate made her announcement on Friday March 22, he was pictured with 10-year-old Prince George attending an Aston Villa football game in Birmingham a week ago. Town & Country understands that the Prince will continue to balance his public duties with supporting his family over the next few weeks. He did not appear publicly while Kate was in hospital in January and made it clear that being there for his wife and children is a priority. However, he has shown his commitment to his duties by carrying out investitures and public engagements once Kate’s care was settled.

The royal family is facing a difficult time with both the King and Princess of Wales unable to work as usual due to their cancer treatment. The King has remained visible, appearing on video messages and at some small-scale audiences. However, the Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery and has made it clear that for now she needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.

Reports and footage from today's events far suggest that Prince William did not discuss his wife's announcement or share an update on her recovery during either of the visits.

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