Prince William returns to work after Kate’s surgery and King Charles’s cancer

The Prince of Wales has returned to public duties following his wife’s abdominal surgery and father’s cancer diagnosis.

Prince William carried out an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and will appear at a charity event this evening.

It follows a three-week absence from duties which began after Catherine, the Princess of Wales, underwent surgery.

Prince William is expected to take on some engagements in the King’s absence.

His father’s “regular treatments” for an unspecified cancer – during which the monarch will be unable to attend public engagements – began on Monday.

While Buckingham Palace has stressed the King will continue to perform his formal constitutional functions, Prince William will stand in for him at some events.

The princess is continuing her recovery at home after spending a fortnight in hospital after undergoing a procedure.

According to palace sources, until now Prince William has been focusing on being at the side of his wife and children, rather than carrying out public engagements.

But with an “unwavering commitment to duty and service”, he is now returning to his public role with the investitures and an air ambulance fundraising event later on Wednesday.

The investitures – where people receive honours in person from a member of the Royal Family – will reflect his support for people playing an important role in their communities.

Among those he’ll meet, will be Suzie Hutchinson who runs Little Heart Matters, a charity for people with a single ventricle heart condition – or half a working heart.

Also being honoured will be John Broadfoot, founder of SOS Kit Aid, whose charity sends second-hand sports kit to disadvantaged people around the world.

He’ll also meet the record goal scorer for England’s women’s football team, Ellen Convery (formerly known as Ellen White).