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Why fans can expect not to see Prince William return to duties fully amid ‘sign of toll’ tough months have taken on him

The Prince of Wales was out in Surrey on Thursday

Prince William has showed “small signs of the toll that recent months have taken on him” in a recent engagement, a royal expert has claimed in latest news.

The Prince of Wales, 41, stepped out on Thursday to visit food distribution charity, Surplus to Supper, in Surrey. His visit comes amid his wife Kate‘s cancer treatment. His father, King Charles, is also receiving treatment for a type of cancer.

According to a royal commentator, William was “was typically chatty, genial” during the outing.

Prince William carrying box during royal engagement
The Prince of Wales stepped out on Thursday for an engagement (Credit: Shutterstock)

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However, writing for the MailOnline, royal commentator Rebecca English said “physically you could see small signs of the toll that recent months have taken on him”.

We should not expect to see a wholesale return to royal duties for the prince.

She said: “One can only imagine the weight on his shoulders at seeing both his adored wife and his father facing serious simultaneous health crises, while also trying to protect his three young children from this devastating blow to their little world.

“And while, fortunately, the King appears to be responding well to treatment and is hopeful of taking up more forward-facing public duties in the near future, recent events will have been a stark reminder of what awaits the Wales’ in the not so distant future.”

Prince William and Kate during royal engagement
Kate is receiving treatment for cancer (Credit: SplashNews.com)

She added: “It is why, although his appearances today were both welcome and heartfelt, we should not expect to see a wholesale return to royal duties for the prince.”

According to Rebecca, William is likely to undertake “one of two public engagements” each week. These will often be on the same day to “minimise time away from Kate and the children”.

King Charles shared his cancer diagnosis in early February. Then, in March, the Princess of Wales said she was undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” after tests following her abdominal surgery in January found cancer had been present.

King Charles speaking during public outing
The King is also receiving treatment for cancer (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate has taken a step back from public duties while she undergoes the treatment. The King has also stepped back from public facing engagements. However, he has been seen on a few occasions over the last few weeks undertaking some smaller duties.

According to reports, the monarch is hoping he’ll be able to attend Trooping the Colour. The event is due to take place in June. It will include a birthday parade for Charles.

The parade would involve King Charles travelling on horseback from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall. However, this year, amid the King’s health, changes may apparently have to be made.

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A source told the MailOnline:” There are a number of key events His Majesty would love to attend coming up in the diary. This is at the top of the list.”

Read more: William and Kate’s future plans for Prince Louis – military career, life outside ‘royal fold’ and feeling ‘every bit as special as George’

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)