William helps out at Earthshot charity on same day as Charles’ return to duties after celebrating anniversary with Kate
PRINCE William is today helping an Earthshot charity – as King Charles returns to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.
Wills, 41, is at Low Carbon Materials, in Seaham, County Durham, which was a finalist in his 2022 Earthshot Prize.
The company creates low-carbon and environmentally friendly construction materials.
The Prince, who is the Earthshot founder and president, will first visit LCM’s Research and Development lab where he will be shown how the company creates and tests low carbon concrete.
Their concrete includes a material called Osto, which is carbon-negative.
Staff will also show how they are incorporating waste carbon dioxide into their products which helps to reduce their carbon footprint.
Prince William will then visit James’ Place Newcastle to hear about the free, life-saving treatment and support that the charity’s newest centre is stopping male suicide.
It follows a trip to a school in the West Midlands last week to highlight the importance of reducing the stigma around male mental health.
Wills met with pupil Freddie Hadley, who previously wrote a letter to the royal inviting him to learn about their school’s #AmIManlyEnough campaign.
He also apologised for Princess Kate’s absence as she would have “loved to be there”.
The princess, 42, is still taking a step back as she undergoes preventative cancer treatment.
Kate bravely revealed her diagnosis in a video message last month, following months of shameful speculation after her abdominal surgery in January.
It comes as the Royal couple shared an adorable unseen photo to mark their 13th wedding anniversary.
The striking black and white portrait, taken by photographer Millie Pilkington, shows the happy couple beaming on their big day in 2011.
It is believed the pair will celebrate away from the spotlight, after Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.
Timeline of Kate and Charles' health battles & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Buckingham Palace announces the King has been diagnosed with enlarged prostate
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 26: The Sun exclusively photograph the King arriving at The London Clinic for his ‘corrective procedure’
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
The King seen waving and smiling as he left hospital after an extra night
FEB 5: Palace reveal while in hospital for his prostate operation doctors discovered the the King has a form of cancer
FEB 10: King issues ‘heartfelt thanks’ in a written statement
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MAR 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MAR 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MAR 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MAR 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MAR 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
MAR 31: King attends Easter Sunday service and tales part in ‘walkabout’ with members of the public and aides say ‘it was a significant step’ as KIng had ‘responded to treatment very encouragingly’
APR 4: The Sun exclusively reveals King has ordered aides to ‘supercharge’ his diary for the summer and is ‘raring to go’
APR 26: Buckingham Palace announce King will return to public-facing front-line duties.
APR: The King is set to return to work visiting a cancer treatment centre to raise awareness
The royal previously hailed Wills for his continued support since her operation in January and subsequent cancer shock.
The prince took a step back to help with his wife’s recovery and with keeping routine normal for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Similarly, Queen Camilla has been described as King Charles’ “rock” amid his cancer treatment.
His Majesty had been taking time away from public duties, while still continuing with official State business and selected Audiences.
RIGHT AS REIGN
But, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday the King would be officially returning to work today.
He chose to mark the milestone in his recovery by visiting a cancer treatment centre to meet with patients and medical specialists.
The King, alongside Queen Camilla, hoped to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and the tireless work of cancer research.
They visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London where Charles was met with huge cheers from well-wishers.
It comes as a palace spokesperson confirmed last week: “This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.”
They added: “The King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.
With the monarch well enough to carry out public-facing duties, highly anticipated events including Royal Ascot, the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and Trooping the Colour could be possible.
Amid the King’s return to work, he and the Queen are said to be “deeply grateful” for the “kindnesses and good wishes” sent “throughout the joys and challenges of the past year”.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Buckingham Palace also revealed in the King’s summer schedule planning is underway amid “a number of external engagements” in the coming weeks.
The monarch will be holding a host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.
“All future plans remain subject to doctors’ advice nearer the time, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
It is understood the King’s programme will be “carefully calibrated” with his medical team as his recovery continues.
The Sun previously reported His Majesty could be driven in a carriage to Trooping the Colour this year on June 15 rather than riding a horse.
Royal fans will also be thrilled to hear His Majesty could attend the famous Buckingham Palace Garden Party on May 8 – the same day Prince Harry returns to the UK for his Invictus Games 10th Anniversary service.
The joyous announcement follows The Sun’s exclusive story in which we revealed the King had told aides he was “raring to go”.
He is understood to have ordered staff to “supercharge” his diary for the summer.
The latest announcement also confirmed The Sun’s story last month that planning is underway for the King to travel abroad.
Trips could include D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations on June 6 and even Australia in October.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does the announcement mean King Charles’ cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King’s treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor’s advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King’s schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor’s advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise.”
