William’s return to public duties revealed as he’s set to carry out first engagement since Kate shared cancer diagnosis
The heir will be visiting organisations close to his - and Princess Kate's - hearts
PRINCE William is set to make his first public appearance since Princess Kate announced she was undergoing cancer treatment.
The couple have spent most of the Easter holidays in Norfolk with their children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
Wills, 41, was last seen in public at an event tackling homelessness in Sheffield on March 19 — three days before Kate’s shock revelation.
It was there where he made a touching remark about wanting his wife by his side.
It has now been announced the heir will visit Surrey and London this week.
On Thursday he will visit organisations working with communities and the environment – two topics very close to his and Princess Kate’s hearts.
He’ll first meet with Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, before heading to a youth centre.
Wills was last spotted at Aston Villa last week – with Prince George at his side.
The father and son duo were seen celebrating Unai Emery‘s side after Ollie Watkins scored the first goal in their clash against Lille at Villa Park on Thursday.
Prince George stepped out in his claret and blue Aston Villa scarf and beamed as he stood beside his proud dad.
The 10-year-old has followed in Prince William’s footsteps and is a keen Aston Villa fan.
The pair chatted and laughed with each other as they watched the match intensely from their seats.
Chief sports writer of the Sunday People, Neil Moxley, asked William: “Your Highness – after the Mostar game we saw you and you said 1-0 was a good result in Europe. How was this?”
“Two-nil would have been better,” joked the Prince.
“Is George now part of the pride?” asked Mr Moxley.
“Oh yes, he’s loving it,” replied the smiling father.
Prior to that Wills was last seen in Sheffield on March 19 – beaming as he met locals working in and impacted by homelessness.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was greeted warmly with cheers from well-wishers as he arrived – taking selfies and waving to fans.
He was snapped beaming as he spoke with parents, carers and young adults from local families as a part of the Homewards programme – which aims to battle homelessness throughout the UK.
The Prince of Wales later joined Homewards Sheffield Local Coalition meeting at the Millennium Gallery – to discuss ways to end homelessness.
They touched on the topic of childhood – to which Wills instantly smiled, before referring to the success of his wife’s projects.
The heir said his wife should have been there at his side today, after her years committed to Early Years projects.
Holding his palms out and grinning, Wills said: “We’re venturing into my wife’s territory. She needs to be sat here to hear this.”
Three days later Princess Kate gave an update on her heath.
She gave a heartfelt and emotional video statement revealing she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
In her message, she described how William was a “great source of comfort and reassurance” and described how “as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy” while she completed her treatment.
INGRID SEWARD: Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
STEADFAST when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.
Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.
“She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he smiled, when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer within such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
WILLS’ PRIORITY
It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.