Prince William’s first engagement since Kate Middleton’s cancer announcement is heartbreaking news

William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, spent the first part of early 2024 in the shadows while the princess overcame health challenges, culminating in a heartbreaking cancer announcement on March 22, 2024. A few weeks later, on April 18, William visited Surplus to Supper. This charity distributes surplus food 16 miles southeast of London, unaccompanied by his wife, as would be expected in light of the news of her health. During his royal visit, the prince mingled with the public, loaded food into delivery trucks, and even got his hands dirty in the kitchen, helping Surplus to Supper workers prepare a hearty tomato Bolognese sauce. William seemed in good spirits, smiling and laughing with the charity's staff. However, we couldn't help but be saddened that Kate's absence was felt at the event in many ways. During William's first public appearance since his cancer announcement, Kate was undoubtedly the center of everyone's attention. And considering that bolognese sauce was one of the first dishes William made for his then-girlfriend Kate in the early 2000s, the beloved princess' absence could have been doubly overlooked. Prince William often referred to Kate Middleton as his best cook in their relationship. In January 2023, Prince William visited Together as One, a charity about 50 miles west of London, where he spent the morning helping workers prepare teriyaki chicken and noodles for lunch. While cooking, he praised his wife, Kate Middleton, for her culinary skills, saying she's the best cook in the family. "I cook a little bit, but not very much," William admitted. Catherine is excellent" (via Daily Mail). But that doesn't mean William isn't trying his best. Speaking to Mary Berry for the 2019 Royal Berry Christmas program, Kate revealed that her husband has a few specialties. "He's perfect for breakfast," Kate explained (via People). " During his university years, he used to cook all sorts of dishes. I think that's when he tried to impress me, Mary - things like bolognese sauce and things like that." Indeed, it was hard not to feel sympathy for the future king when he publicly prepared a dish he often cooked for his future wife while having to relive Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis privately. Attendees at the event also should have paid attention to Kate's absence and her condition. Volunteer Rachel Candappa gave William sound cards to Kate and asked the prince to care for his wife. Touched by the gesture, the prince put his hand on Kandappa's shoulder and said: "I will" (via Standard).