The Prince of Wales addresses his father's illness when attending a gala fundraising dinner for London's Air Ambulance Charity, where he poses for a picture with Tom Cruise.
- Feb 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Prince William has broken his silence on King Charles' cancer diagnosis. As he returned to his royal duties on Wednesday, February 7, the Prince of Wales expressed gratitude for people's support amid the tough times.
"We really appreciate everyone’s kind messages," the 41-year-old said when attending a gala fundraising dinner for London's Air Ambulance Charity, where he posed for a picture with Tom Cruise. "Thank you."
William, who briefly stepped back from royal duties to look after his wife Kate Middleton as she recovers from abdominal surgery, added, "I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you also for the kind of messages of support for Catherine and my father, especially in recent days." He then noted, "It means a great deal to us all."
"The past few weeks have a rather medical focus, so I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all," he quipped. "But, seriously, we gather tonight to help as many people as possible benefit from top-class care in the silhouette of London Air Ambulance’s flying lifelines."
William's statement arrived just hours after his brother Prince Harry flew back to the U.S. The Duke of Sussex took a 25-hour trip to London to see the ailing King at his Clarence House home. He reportedly spent just 30 minutes with his estranged father.
Harry immediately got on a flight to see his dad after Buckingham Palace's announcement on Monday that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. The palace said in a statement, "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of 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," the message added. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."
