KATE Middleton’s recovery is “going well”, with Prince William sending a message to the public as he returns to normality, an expert has said.
The Princess of Wales revealed she is battling cancer in a brave video message last month.
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Last week, Prince William and Prince George were seen supporting Aston Villa on their first outing since Kate’s cancer shock.
And on Thursday, William helped a food distribution charity in Surrey.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the “timely” appearance proves the royals are returning to normality.
He told The Sun: “The royals realize that every thing they do sends a message in one way or another.
“It wasn’t just a matter of showing up with George on a nice occasion.
“It was about sending a signal that it was business as usual – to the extent that that was reasonable to expect.
“If Catherine had been there it would have been fantastic, but no one expected that.
“People wouldn’t expect this after his video message, which I think is the bravest from a public figure in Britain on a health issue.”
William stepped away from royal duties to be by Kate’s side and care for their three children.
King Charles also rallied around his daughter-in-law following his own cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is also said to have regular conversations with the princess.
Camilla has also been Charles’ “rock” following his diagnosis and wants to support Kate in the same way.
The Queen continued to carry out all her royal duties and attended many events alone after asking Charles to slow down.
Royal expert Fitzwilliams said William’s appearance sent a message that he and Kate are on track to resume royal duties.
He said: “We know William will return to royal duties soon. The royal family obviously needs him.
“This was an important appearance, simply in the sense that it was what you would call normal.
“Obviously with the royal family, very little is normal at the moment.
“He is clearly looking after the children as much as possible. I mean, it’s a burden that William carries.
“It sent the message that some things are happening, more or less normally.”
INGRID SEWARD: Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
STEADY when his family needed him, William proved himself to be a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he may not have been present during Kate’s brave video on Friday — make no mistake, he was by her side every step of the way.
William stepped up with schoolwork and provided a “great source of comfort and security” for his wife.
But he has also been a comforting, reassuring presence for audiences.
From leading members of the Royal Family in the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying lighthearted banter with young people on a visit to a youth center, he didn’t put a foot wrong.
Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.
Still, there were few flaws in his façade – but Kate was clearly on his mind.
“She needs to be sitting here to hear this,” he smiled, as the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately, he is only human.
Having your father and wife diagnosed with cancer in such quick succession is heartbreaking.
It is a remarkable insight into this young man’s character that he was so incredibly brave.
Their turmoil is a very private one, which has been brought into the public arena by the nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of an enormous responsibility, both personally and to the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is as a father and husband.
He will make this his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the customs of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the queen was young.
PRIORITY OF WILL
Back then, it was a man’s world – and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to do.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making the public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have the unconditional support of Charles – who knows what it’s like to be raised by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of his father’s lack of presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit in the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch at her favorite restaurant, San Lorenzo.
The call came that William had been hit in the head and they thought he might die, so it was very serious.
Charles and Diana rushed to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But always a man of duty, Charles prioritized his commitments.
William is determined to do things differently.
Fitzwilliams added: “On the other hand, we know it’s not, and we know it’s a very difficult time.
“He and Catherine are linked to around 50 sponsorships – for example, mental health or homelessness, or the Earthshot award.
“They know perfectly well that there is tremendous prestige when any of them are linked to a specific institution or cause.
“The polls made it absolutely clear where the public support lies and the fact that they are so highly regarded.”
On Thursday, William promised to ‘look after’ the Princess of Wales as he helped out with food distribution charity Surplus to Supper.
Volunteer Rachel Candappa, 71, handed the Prince two get-well cards, addressed to the King and Kate.
William, who looked visibly moved, said: “Thank you, you are very kind.”
When Rachel told Wills to look after Kate, he placed his left hand on her shoulder and promised, “I will.”
It comes after Kate decided to delay revealing her battle with cancer to protect her three children.
The young people were with their parents when the shocking video was posted.
Sun editor Victoria Newton told BBC1’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that children have always been Kate’s “priority”.
She said: “I understand that the princess made the decision two weeks ago to make this public statement.
“The main thing for her as a mother, the priority was to protect these three children.
“She didn’t want them going to school, being questioned even more than they already were.”
William and George support Aston Villa
PRINCE George applauded and cheered for Aston Villa with his father William on his first outing since Kate’s cancer shock.
The ten-year-old was seen beaming after Ollie Watkins scored the opener in Villa’s home clash with Lille last week.
Keen Villa fan George sported a burgundy and blue scarf in the hospitality box.
He chatted and laughed with his father William as they watched Villa win the Europa Conference League match 2-1.
A journalist from the Villa Park press group asked William if George was “now part of the pride”.
William replied: “Oh yes, he’s loving it.”
Prince William has been a loyal Aston Villa fan for years.
The prince, an avid football fan and president of the FA, has often raised eyebrows in football circles for his choice of club.
Wills, 41, has never lived in Birmingham and there is no family affinity with Villa passed down from generation to generation.
But he revealed why while speaking to long-time Wrexham fans, brothers Trevor and Alan Roberts, 73 and 76, on a trip to the racecourse.
He said: “A good friend took me to my first game when I was well, it was when Paul Merson was playing for them.
“When we were relegated, I wanted to support them even more, but it’s emotional and it hurts.”
During an interview in 2015, ahead of Villa’s FA Cup final against Arsenal, the Prince of Wales said: “A long time ago, at school, I started really liking football.
“All my friends were Chelsea or Manchester United fans and I didn’t really want to follow the regular team.
“I wanted to have a team that was more in the middle of the table and that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.
“Aston Villa has always had a great history.”
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