Prince William pledged to 'look after' wife Catherine, Princess of Wales on return to work

Prince William promised to "look after" Catherine, Princess of Wales on his first official engagement since she revealed last month she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Prince William

Prince William promised to "look after" Catherine, Princess of Wales on his first official engagement since she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.

The 41-year-old royal helped out with loading and cooking at food distribution charity Surplus to Supper in Sudbury-on-Thames in Surrey on Thursday (18.04.24) and he appeared visibly moved when a volunteer handed him cards for his wife and his father, King Charles, who is also being treated for the disease.

William told Rachel Candappa: “Thank you, you are very kind”.

The 71-year-old volunteer told the prince to look after his wife and he put his hand on her shoulder as he promised: "I will".

Speaking afterwards, Rachel admitted she didn't expect to be able to give the cards to William personally.

She told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “I was at home at 8.30 last night and I thought I had to do something this is a chance to give a card directly to the palace officials. I didn’t think I’d be able to give the cards to William.

“I said ‘can I shake your hand’, I loved it, he was very down to earth. I’m never washing my hand again.

“He pointed at the food and said ‘That’s spaghetti hoops’ and I asked ‘How do you know about spaghetti hoops and he said ‘I’ve got children’. "

William watched as volunteers sorted out items including soaps, hand wash and make-up before pulling on an apron to help chef Mario Colfait, who was making bolognaise, chilli con carne and sausage casserole.

He said: "It smells good in here Mario."

The prince - who has three children with Catherine - joked he was worried about slicing off his fingers as he was handed a large knife to chop celery.

He said: “It’s the biggest knife, hope for the best. “I don’t want to mess up everyone’s lunch. I hope I haven’t ruined your lunch, but you can blame me.”

As well as his efforts in the kitchen, William also privately gave the charity a box of unused food taken from the kitchen at his home in Windsor, Adelaide Cottage.

Catherine announced in a video message on 22 March that she was being treated for cancer after the disease was detected following her abdominal surgery in January.