Prince William returned to public service as King Charles battled cancer

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LONDON – Prince William returned to royal duties on Wednesday for the first time since his father, King Charles III, announced his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalized for abdominal surgery.

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William held an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and is attending a fundraiser for the London Ambulance Charity on Wednesday evening.

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The 41-year-old heir to the throne has temporarily stepped down from public service to care for Kate and their children after undergoing surgery under undisclosed circumstances last month. The Princess of Wales, formerly Kate Middleton, is not expected to resume her state duties until April.

But Charles' cancer diagnosis earlier this week is putting additional pressure on the royal family, with the royal pausing his public appearances to focus on treatment and recovery. While being treated for an undiagnosed form of cancer, Charles continues to perform behind-the-scenes work, reviewing and signing government documents.

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Sally Bedell Smith, author of Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Impossible Life, said: “His absence will put a lot of pressure on other members of the royal family.” “The recovery from surgery of one of the royal family's biggest stars, the Princess of Wales,” adds to these tensions.

Charles' illness comes at an awkward time for the House of Windsor.

The king, who took the throne just 17 months ago, has pledged to reduce the cost of the monarchy by limiting the number of “working royals” whose government duties are paid for by taxpayers.

But when two of the most prominent members of the family fall ill, it becomes more difficult to hold the family together.

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In addition to the much-publicized pomp and ceremony of royal parades and state visits, the Windsors participate in hundreds of lesser-known events each year to recognize the achievements of ordinary people and celebrate local events, such as the opening of libraries and community centers. Hundreds of charities value royal appearances, which give their good work visibility and credibility among potential donors.

The 75-year-old royal made his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday when he left his offices at Clarence House after a brief meeting with his youngest son, Prince Harry.

Harry arrived in London from California less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced the royal's cancer diagnosis. The meeting raised hopes that the pair could mend their strained relationship after Harry publicly criticized the royal family for unconscious racism and complained about the way his biracial American wife, former actor Meghan Markle, was treated by palace officials.

Harry and Meghan, once seen as stars of the royal family to help the Windsors connect with younger generations, stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and now live in California.

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