In his first public outing since his wife announced her cancer diagnosis, volunteers at a charity event got to hear Prince William’s Kate Middleton cancer update firsthand—and now, reporters are sharing the rare comment made by the Prince of Wales for the rest of us.
On April 18, 2024, Prince William visited Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey, England, marking his first royal outing since his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. At the charity event, a volunteer handed him cards addressed to Kate and King Charles III, who is also undergoing cancer treatments at this time, prompting a brief yet impactful exchange.
In a video shared on X by Lizzie Robinson of ITN, William thanked the volunteer for the cards. “Oh, some cards, you’re very kind. Thank you very much,” he said, before making a promise for his wife. When told to “look after” the Princess of Wales by the volunteer, the Prince of Wales didn’t hesitate to reply. “I will,” he vowed.
Volunteer Rachel Candappa gives the Prince of Wales cards for the King and Princess of Wales during his visit to Surplus for Supper. pic.twitter.com/ruGBiWXcLt— Lizzie Robinson (@LizzieITV) April 18, 2024
Princess Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024, in a video shared with media outlets and on social media. Her diagnosis came shortly after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. Although the surgery was successful, post-operative tests showed the presence of cancer, prompting her medical team to recommend preventative chemotherapy. In her announcement, the Princess of Wales shared that she was still in the early stages of this treatment.
She also described how she explained her diagnosis to her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she shared. “As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
The Princess of Wales also expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, making a special shout out to her husband during this time of uncertainty. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.” Kate mentioned that while she looks forward to returning to her royal duties when she is able, for now, her focus is on making a full recovery—and it looks like William is committed to staying by her side every step of the way.
After the palace announced his father’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024, Prince William also expressed his thanks for the supportive supportive messages sent to his family—both on behalf of the king, and his wife Kate, who was continuing to recover from her abdominal surgery at the time.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all,” he said during his speech at London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on February 7, 2024, per People. He also brought a touch of levity to the otherwise serious set circumstances faced by the royal family: “It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather ‘medical’ focus,” he said. “So I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all!”
While William has yet share any additional public statements about his father or wife’s cancer treatments since then, resuming his royal duties appears to signal a return to a sense of normalcy for the royal family—and there’s hopefully more to come.
