Prince William has made his first royal appearance since his wife, Kate Middleton, returned home from the hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery.
This engagement also marks the Prince’s return to duty following the news of his father, King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
On Wednesday, Prince William conducted a morning of investitures at Windsor Castle on behalf of his father.
During the ceremony, he presented medals to individuals such as former soccer player Ellen White and brigadier Tobias Lambert.
Investitures are held throughout the year to honor individuals who have shown exceptional achievement, personal bravery, or service to the U.K.
Princess Anne hosted the first investiture ceremony earlier in the week, where she presented medals to operatic tenor Nicholas Spence, rugby referee Sara Cox, and wheelchair rugby player James Simpson, among others.
One of the recipients, Patricia Spruce, shared on LinkedIn that Prince William mentioned that Princess Kate was being well taken care of by two amazing and kind nurses.
Ellen Convery, also known as Ellen White from her soccer playing days, received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from Prince William for her contributions to soccer.
She expressed her gratitude for the honor and sent her best wishes to King Charles and Princess Kate.
During their conversation, Prince William and Convery discussed his favorite soccer team, Aston Villa.
Convery expressed her appreciation for Prince William’s support of women’s football and how it put her at ease during the ceremony.
Suzanne Hutchinson, the chief executive of Little Hearts Matter, received an MBE for her services to children with congenital heart disease.
Though she didn’t get the chance to send her well wishes to Prince William’s family, she expressed her hope that King Charles’ treatment goes well and that Princess Kate’s recovery is going smoothly.
Susan Taylor, who was honored with an MBE for her contributions to rugby league football, had a conversation with Prince William about their children’s involvement in rugby.
Prince William mentioned that he believes their son, Prince Louis, may have some athletic potential in the sport.
Taylor also shared her previous meeting with Princess Kate and Prince William’s appreciation for her involvement in rugby.
Prince William’s return to public duties comes after Princess Kate’s planned abdominal surgery.
While she recuperates at home, Prince William attended the investiture at Windsor Castle.
Later in the day, he is scheduled to attend London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala dinner, which holds personal significance for him as he previously served as an air ambulance pilot.
Prior to the announcement of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, it was confirmed that Prince William would resume his royal duties.
The palace revealed that King Charles had undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
However, he remains positive about his treatment and is eager to return to full public duty.
The news of King Charles’ diagnosis surprised those close to the family, but he personally informed Prince William and Prince Harry before the public announcement.
As the heir to the throne, Prince William may take on additional responsibilities on behalf of his father in the coming weeks.
Prince Harry, who arrived in London from Los Angeles, will not be meeting with Prince William during his visit.
The King and Queen Camilla were spotted for the first time since the cancer announcement, waving to onlookers as they traveled from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace and then to Sandringham House.
