The Prince of Wales yesterday made a star-studded return to duty for the first time since King Charles’ cancer diagnosis by hosting a gala dinner for the Air Ambulance service.
William shared a video from the event highlighting the work the emergency service does, including a cameo from Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise.
William is a former air ambulance pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and mingled with crew members, former patients and supporters before giving a short speech.
Adding glitz to the evening was Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who has been a long-time supporter of the organization that provides vital emergency medical treatment in the capital and is trying to raise £15 million to replace its helicopter fleet.
In a short speech, the Prince of Wales said the heartfelt words of comfort his family received following Kate’s hospitalization for serious abdominal surgery and King Charles’ shock cancer diagnosis “mean a lot to us all.”
The Prince of Wales made a star-studded return to duty yesterday as host of a gala dinner for the Air Ambulance service
Adding glitz to the evening was Hollywood star Tom Cruise, a longtime supporter of the organization
Yesterday was William’s first day back at work since King Charles’ shock diagnosis
It was a particularly busy day for the prince – who is now the monarchy’s most prominent public figure – as he presented more than 50 awards on behalf of the king.
As he entered the room, the Prince of Wales said he “hugely appreciates everyone’s kindness” as he spoke out for the first time since the shock news that the King has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Prince of Wales – who served as an air ambulance pilot in East Anglia – has been a patron of the organization since 2020.
In a speech, William, who has been keen to focus on his father’s news in recent days, told his audience: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to also say thank you for the kind words of support extended to Catherine. and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a lot to all of us.
‘It is fair to say that the past few weeks have had a rather “medical” focus. So I thought I’d join an air ambulance service to get away from it all!’
There was also a jab at Cruise, known for his daring high-flying movie stunts, as the royal said: ‘Here in London the current planes have done a splendid job. But our capital needs a new fleet.
‘And we are against time. The clue is actually in the name of the profession. By September we need the two new red birds – equipped with the latest equipment such as night vision goggles – in our skies.
“I must also take this opportunity to mention my – our – fellow pilot, Tom Cruise. Tom, thank you so much for supporting us tonight.
The Top Gun star’s presence was particularly fitting given that the gala is in support of the London Air Ambulance, of which Cruise is remarkably an existing supporter.
The Prince of Wales – who served as an air ambulance pilot in East Anglia – has been a patron of the organization since 2020
“And if you wouldn’t mind not borrowing any of the new helicopters for the next Mission: Impossible, that would be appreciated.
“We’ve all seen on our screens that – how should I put it – you seem to have a different view of ‘normal wear and tear’ than the rest of us.
“It’s not the kind that polishes, that’s for sure.”
However, it was only a brief moment in the spotlight for William, who will now return to Windsor to care for his family with the King’s blessing.
The prince cleared his diary after the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital on January 16 for what was only described as an ‘abdominal operation’. She had to stay in hospital for two weeks and will not resume her public duties until after Easter.
It is unlikely that the heir to the throne will now appear in public for at least another ten days.
Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, thanked the Prince for being with us at such a difficult time, saying: “I think I speak for everyone in the London Air Ambulance family, and everyone else in this room who we send you at this particular moment our love, our best wishes and our support to you and your family and especially to His Royal Highness (meaning the King).”
He added that they were “an enormous privilege to have His Royal Highness as Patron, not because he is a senior member of the Royal Family, not because he is next in line to the throne, but because he represents us is one of us. Prince William is a former air ambulance pilot. So he gets what we do. And that is extremely important and powerful for us as a service. ‘
Singer Debbie Sledge told the Mail she told the prince she was praying for his father, the king.
‘I had no intention of doing that and I haven’t met His Majesty or any of the Royal Family before, but I felt so strongly that I should. They are good people,” she said.
“My heart goes out to them all.”
While William was undertaking his first three-week engagement, his estranged brother, Prince Harry, was flying back from Britain after a whirlwind 24-hour visit.
The Duke of Sussex flew to London on Tuesday for the first time in 17 months to meet the king and spent less than 45 minutes with him at Clarence House, his London residence.
The king, accompanied by Queen Camilla, immediately left by helicopter for Sandringham, his estate in Norfolk.
Harry stayed in Britain overnight and left the VIP suite at Heathrow Airport around lunchtime yesterday to catch a scheduled flight back to California.