Prince William 'didn't want to take on extra responsibilities' during Kate Middleton's recovery and is going through a 'frightening time' after King Charles' cancer diagnosis, royal experts claim

Prince William 'didn't want to take on extra responsibilities' as Kate Middleton recovers from surgery and faces a 'frightening time' following King Charles' cancer diagnosis, a royal expert has claimed.

The Prince of Wales, 41, will return to public duties today when he holds an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle before attending a fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance this evening.

The father-of-three postponed his public appearances last month when it emerged that the Princess of Wales, 41, had undergone planned abdominal surgery.

Speak with OK!Royal expert Jennie Bond said King Charles' shock cancer diagnosis has come at a difficult time for the Wales family.

She explained, “This is not a time where he wanted to take on additional responsibilities, nor is it a time where he really wanted to think about the fact that he will become a monarch one day in the very near future.

'This is a time in his life where we know he just wants to be a hands-on father and a very supportive husband. He will feel somewhat harassed because his wife is ill and now his father has cancer; this is a scary time for him.”

Furthermore, the expert highlighted how there had been a “smooth transition” from Queen Elizabeth to King Charles' reign – and this newness was “disturbing” for the public.

Tonight, Prince William is expected to possibly thank well-wishers and speak about what the royal family has been through in recent days since the monarch's diagnosis.

The investiture ceremony in Windsor will be William's first appearance since Kate Middleton went to hospital for abdominal surgery.

The prince was last seen outside the London Clinic after visiting his wife on January 18 – and she will remain out of the public eye until at least Easter.

At today's inauguration, William will present more than 50 awards, including one to former England women's footballer Ellen White, 34.

In the evening he will attend London Air Ambulance's annual fundraising gala in central London. He has been a patron of the charity since 2020.

The dinner is being held in support of the charity's biggest ever fundraising campaign, hoping to raise £15 million to replace its helicopter fleet.

It is clear that William has his father's '100 percent' support to return at his own pace. Pictured: William and Charles at the Sandringham estate during the Christmas period in 2019

After today, Prince William has no further duties planned this week and will be back with Kate and the kids during their half-term break next week.

Princess Anne will also be back in action today after giving four engagements yesterday, three of which are planned today in Berkshire, London and Oxfordshire.

A source said: 'The prince has always made it clear that his priority for now is to support his wife and family – and he has not put a timetable on that.

“He'll be back at work on Wednesday, but you shouldn't expect to see him again for a while after that.”

It is understood his team at Kensington Palace are speaking to their counterparts at Buckingham Palace about what public engagements William could potentially attend in his father's place.

It is clear that William has his father's '100 percent' support to return at his own pace.

A source said: 'The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a great job. He understands that family comes first.”

Prince William pictured at an earlier investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on January 24, 2023

Prince Harry arrived at Clarence House in London yesterday to meet his father – before King Charles flew to Sandringham in Norfolk

The King has been spending more and more time at Windsor Castle since his accession, often staying over on Sunday evenings, giving him more time with his son and young grandchildren with whom he is becoming increasingly close.

William, who now lives in Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, a short walk from the castle, also often uses rooms in the historic royal residence for meetings.

Prince Harry's father called him personally to tell him the devastating news about his cancer and the Duke of Sussex jumped on a plane so he could be in Britain.

Although Harry and the Prince of Wales have no plans to meet during the duke's stay, mutual friend Mark Dyer – who was a mentor to the princes after Diana's death – is believed to be acting as a bridge between the brothers, according to a source and sisters could function. .

The Princess of Wales was unexpectedly admitted to hospital last month for what was only described as an 'abdominal operation'.

She spent two weeks at The London Clinic, where the king also underwent his prostate surgery, and is unlikely to return to royal duties until after Easter.