Prince William has made his first public statement since the news that his father King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.
While attending the London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on February 7th, the Prince of Wales shared, "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." He continued, "It means a great deal to us all."
The charity gala appearance was one of the first public appearances since the news of his father King Charles' cancer diagnosis and his wife Kate Middleton's recent stomach surgery. That same day, Prince William also hosted an investiture ceremony and handed out medals to several honorees on behalf of King Charles. "Honouring amazing people doing incredible things in our communities up and down the country," Prince William wrote on an Instagram post showing several photos from the ceremony.
Prince William's appearance came as the Princess of Wales is currently at home recovering from a recent surgery. The Princess of Wales' stay at the London Clinic coincided with her father-in-law King Charles III's stay last Friday, January 26th. According to People, King Charles paid the Princess of Wales a visit before heading into his own procedure.
Shortly after, the palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Monday's (Feb. 5th) statement read. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."