Prince William has thanked the nation for its ‘kind messages of support’ for his wife and father. In a speech, the Prince of Wales said the heartfelt words of comfort received by his family following Kate’s hospitalisation for serious abdominal surgery and King Charles’ shock cancer diagnosis ‘means a great deal to us all’.
The day has been particularly busy day for the Prince – who is now the monarchy’s most prominent public figure – as he handed out more than 50 honours on behalf of the King. The monarch is recuperating at Sandringham following his first cancer treatment and Kate is at home following abdominal surgery.
William was speaking last night at a glittering gala dinner in support of London’s Air Ambulance Charity at Raffles London at the OWO (Old War Office).
He broke off from caring for his wife and three young children at Windsor to undertake a day of engages, holding an investiture at Windsor Castle followed by the charity fundraising event.
Adding some glitz to the evening was Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who is a long term supporter of the organisation which delivers vital emergency medical treatment in the capital is trying to raise £15 million to replace its helicopter fleet.
As he entered the venue the Prince of Wales said he ‘really appreciates everyone’s kindness’ as he spoke out for the first time since the shock news that the King has been diagnosed with cancer. The Prince of Wales – who served as an air ambulance pilot in East Anglia – has been patron of the organisation since 2020.
In a speech William, who has been keen in recent days to allow his father’s news to take centre stage, told his audience: ‘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!’ There was also a joke for Cruise, known for his daredevil high-flying film stunts, as the royal said: ‘Here in London, the current aircraft have served magnificently. But our capital city needs a new fleet.
‘And we are Up Against Time. The clue really is in the Appeal’s name. By September, we need the two new red birds – decked with the latest kit such as night vision – in our skies. ‘I should also take this opportunity to give a mention to my – our – fellow pilot, Tom Cruise. Tom, huge thanks for supporting us tonight.