What King Charles’ diagnosis means for Prince William

There is never going to be a good time to find out a parent has cancer. It’s a particularly difficult moment for Prince William.

There is never a good time to find out a parent has cancer. It’s a particularly difficult moment for Prince William. His father’s cancer diagnosis comes as the heir to the British throne was already navigating a health scare at home. It was only last month that his wife Catherine had abdominal surgery that will sideline her for several months. Little is known about the Princess of Wales’ procedure, but her lengthy recovery signals a serious operation. With three young children to care for, William’s diary was also cleared. His priority abundantly clear: Family comes first. With Charles’ candid disclosure, those plans are evolving. William is now unexpectedly needed to pick up some of his father’s public-facing responsibilities, given he’s the next-in-line. He’s been thrust into a role that not too long ago Charles was doing for the late Queen Elizabeth II – stepping in as needed while the monarch was temporarily unavailable. The demands of being the immediate heir saw William make a partial return to royal duties on Wednesday after a three-week absence. He kicked things off by hosting an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Dressed in his RAF uniform, he smiled warmly, charming guests while doling out honors on his father’s behalf. The prince has “an unwavering commitment to duty and service,” a royal source told CNN, adding that “investitures are an important part of his royal role, celebrating people up and down the country doing incredible things for their communities.”