William speaks out for first time since dad Charles’ cancer diagnosis | UK News

Prince William has spoken for the first time since his father King Charles was diagnosed with cancer.

The king’s eldest son is attending a charity fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance tonight.

He told the BBC the royal family was ‘grateful’ for the public support they have received in recent weeks.

‘We really appreciate everyone’s kind messages,’ he said. ‘Thank you.’

Dressed smartly for the The Black and White Gala Ball, William also delivered a brief speech at the event thanking those in attendance.

‘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 said. ‘It means a great deal to us all.

‘It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather “medical” focus. So I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all.

‘But, seriously, we gather tonight to help as many people as possible benefit from top class care in the silhouette of London’s Air Ambulance’s flying lifelines.’

The Prince of Wales returned today for his first day back at work since his dad received bad news about his health.

This afternoon, he hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, awarding honours like CBEs, OBEs and MBEs to recipients, before heading to the capital.

He waved to people gathered outside Raffles London, a luxury hotel in Westminster, as he stepped out of a black 4×4 and posed for a picture with Tom Cruise upon arrival.

Will appeared to be in good spirits and was all smiles as he was snapped alongside A listers.

At a reception before the dinner, William, a former air ambulance helicopter pilot, met crews from London’s service and chatted to Cruise and the latest line-up of the 1970s disco group Sister Sledge.

William joked about a pair of custom slippers he wore at the Top Gun: Maverick film premiere, telling the actor, who starred in the sequel: ‘I haven’t got my Top Gun slippers on.’

Cruise quipped: ‘I miss them.’

After guests had taken their seats in the banqueting room, they applauded after host and broadcaster Tania Bryer said: ‘We would like to extend our best wishes to His Majesty the King.’

Jonathan Jenkins, chief executive officer of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, also passed on the support of his organisation, telling William: ‘We are sending our love, our best wishes and our support to you, your family and obviously (His Majesty).’

The king himself also broke his silence for the first time since his diagnosis tonight.

William may step in to represent his father at an event, but no engagements are scheduled at the moment and the royal palaces will make arrangements if the need arises.

It also comes after Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery on January 16.

Kate left hospital last Monday and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her three children, but the 42-year-old future queen is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.

Earlier today, his brother Prince Harry was spotted at Heathrow Airport just 24 hours after landing in the UK to see Charles yesterday.

The Duke of Sussex flew 5,000 miles from Los Angeles to be with his father, where the pair spent 45 minutes together before the monarch was seen leaving in a helicopter for his Norfolk residence, Sandringham.

Harry is returning to the US after staying in a luxury hotel as opposed to a royal residence and did not meet up with William during his flying visit.

Buckingham Palace has declined to confirm the type of cancer Charles has been diagnosed with.

But officials said both the king and his doctors remain ‘hugely positive’ after beginning out-patient treatment yesterday.

The palace said in its statement: ’The king has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun a schedule of regular treatments, and while he has postponed public duties he remains wholly positive about his treatment.

‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

‘Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.’

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