Prince William speaks out for first time since King Charles's cancer diagnosis

The prince was asked about his father as he entered the gala tonight to which he responded he "really appreciates everyone's kindness."

William has undertaken royal duties for the first time today since Buckingham Palace revealed the King's diagnosis on Monday.

William waved to the crowds of people gathered outside the venue and said: “We really appreciate everyone’s kind messages, thank you.”

Earlier today the prince handed out honours at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Tonight he is attending a charity gala supporting London's Air Ambulance Charity, which he is a patron of.

The Prince of Wales flew for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015 after leaving his duties in the Armed Forces.

​At the venue, the Prince of Wales greeted Hollywood star Tom Cruise with a friendly handshake as he affectionately held the actor on the shoulder.

The prince also spoke with Air Ambulance pilots, doctors and paramedics involved with the London charity.

On Monday, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, but the type of cancer has not been disclosed.

The news came as the Princess of Wales continues to recover from an abdominal operation at their Windsor home.

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The prince has been focused on looking after his wife, Kate, and his three young children since the princess returned from The London Clinic.

Before the event, Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London's Air Ambulance Charity, said: "HRH Prince William truly understands our work and knows that every second counts in an emergency.

"We know that with his help as well as the continued support of the public, our crews can reach those who need them most – serving the people of London 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

"We're thrilled he will be joining us at our 2024 gala event."