Tom Cruise and Prince William at the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala on Feb. 7, 2024.Photo:DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty
DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince Williamstepped out for a favorite cause amid his family members' recent health news.
The Prince of Wales, 41, returned to royal duty on Wednesday for the first time since news broke last month of his wifeKate Middleton’sabdominal surgeryon Jan. 16 as well as his fatherKing Charles’cancer diagnosis, revealed earlier this week.
Afterhosting an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castlein the morning, Prince William headed to London for the London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner. As he arrived, William quickly answered a question about the public support in recent weeks: “We really appreciate everyone’s kind messages. Thank you.”
Prince William attends London Air Ambulance Charity Gala on Feb. 7, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Tom Cruisewas a fellow guest at the event, and the pair posed together for photos in their tuxedos and black bow ties.
Sharing a photoof their reunion on social media, Prince William’s team wrote, “Fancy seeing you here,@TomCruise!” complete with a helicopter emoji.
Prince Williampreviously met the actoron several occasions, most recently at the London premiere ofTop Gun: Maverickin May 2022 alongside Princess Kate. Cruise, 61, also attended the funeral of William’s mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
Tom Cruise and Prince William attend London Air Ambulance Charity Gala on Feb. 7, 2024.DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince William is expected to use the occasion to speak for the first time about the cancer diagnosis of the King, 75. He is also expected to address Princess Kate’s surgery and her recuperation in a speech during the event. She is staying at the couple’s home Adelaide Cottage in Windsor and is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The rapid response of the London Air Ambulance service can bring the hospital emergency department to the scene of an incident anywhere in London. It has delivered life-saving treatment to more than 45,000 people since its foundation in 1989.
As a former air ambulance pilot in East Anglia, Prince William is passionate about supporting the emergency services in all their forms. He has been a patron of the charity for four years and took to the air in one of the organization’s helicopters to mark the 30th anniversary of the service.
Prince William attends London Air Ambulance Charity Gala on Feb. 7, 2024.DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince William’s appearance came a day after King Charles met with his younger son,Prince Harry, who had jetted in solo from California overnight Monday. King Charles andQueen Camilla, 76, left London for their country home, Sandringham House, in Norfolk soon after he met with Harry, which lasted less than an hour.
The Prince of Wales did not meet with his brother, 39, before Prince Harry was spotted at the London airport on Wednesday.
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Prince William isn’t expected to make any more public appearances for more than a week as he continues to focus on his wife’s health and helping care for the couple’s three children:Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5. Next week is the children’s half-term vacation from school.
Aroyal source tells PEOPLE exclusivelyin this week’s issue that the Prince of Wales is inregular contactwith his father amid the news of the King’s cancer diagnosis. As King Charles steps back from public engagements and Princess Kate continues hermonths-long recuperation, it’s up to Prince William (along with Queen Camilla) to be the face of the monarchy.
“It is hard with Kate being ill as well, but he will step up,” says a source close to the royal household.
“He wouldn’t want to put that pressure on William,” says the source. “He has always wanted to save his children from having that pressure too early and that will remain. Particularly as William has other priorities [with Kate].”
source: people.com
