Prince William Gratefully Receives Cards for Kate Middleton and King Charles in Touching Moment: 'Very Kind'
The Prince of Wales expressed his thanks for the messages during his return to work
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Prince William accepts cards from volunteer Rachel Candappa during a visit to Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, on April 18, 2024Prince William accepted well-wishes for Kate Middleton and King Charles during his first royal engagement following his wife’s announcement of her cancer diagnosis.
On April 18, the Prince of Wales, 41, seemed moved when a volunteer at food distribution charity Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames surprised him with cards for Princess Kate and his father the King.
"Oh some cards, you’re very kind. Thank you very much," Prince William told volunteer Rachel Candappa, in a video shared to X by Lizzie Robinson of ITN.
According to Chris Ship of ITV, the volunteer "told us she spent ages last night thinking of what to write in her message inside." King Charles, 75, and Princess Kate, 42, have both postponed public-facing duties while receiving cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace announced the King’s diagnosis on Feb. 5 in a statement following his treatment for a benign enlarged prostate in January, though a spokesman confirmed it is not prostate cancer.
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Prince William accepts cards from volunteer Rachel Candappa during a visit to Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, on April 18, 2024.Related: Prince William Steps Out for First Royal Duty Since Wife Kate Middleton's Cancer News
A few weeks later, on March 22, the Princess of Wales announced in a video message that she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in January "found cancer had been present."
Prince William accepted the cards for his wife and father while visiting organizations dedicated to tackling food waste. The outings marked his return to royal duty after a few weeks off with his family following Princess Kate’s announcement and during a school break for their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. The royal mom may have strategically waited to make the announcement about her health until her kids were out of the classroom to create space for their family to have private time together.
The Prince of Wales similarly cleared his calendar following his wife’s abdominal surgery on Jan. 16 to be by her side and keep their kids’ schedule as normal as possible.
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Prince William visits Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, on April 18, 2024.The heir to the throne previously expressed thanks for the kind messages sent to his family following the palace announcement about the King's cancer diagnosis.
While speaking on stage at London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on Feb. 7, Prince William said, "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."
"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!" he quipped.
King Charles has continued to work behind the scenes while receiving cancer treatment, hosting small audiences and even surprising with a mini walkabout following church at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday.
"Get well soon, Your Majesty," one well-wisher said in video shared to X by Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, prompting King Charles to reply, "I'm doing my best!"
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Quen Camilla and King Charles greet people after the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on March 31, 2024.Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Princess Kate has kept a lower profile since sharing the news about her health on March 22, referencing the intention in the self-written address.
"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery," she said in the speech, filmed in the garden of Windsor Castle.
The Princess of Wales "will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said at the time of her cancer news announcement.
A palace source later told PEOPLE that Princess Kate might join family events when she feels able, though it may not signal a full return to work.
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