Prince William Steps Out for First Royal Duty Since Wife Kate Middleton's Cancer News

The Prince of Wales, who is helping care for Princess Kate as she undergoes her treatment, took time off amid their children's school break

Prince William is back on royal duty.

The Prince of Wales, 41, stepped out on April 18 for his first official duty since his wife, Kate Middleton, told the world of her cancer diagnosis.

William used the morning to showcase the work of community and environmental organizations in Surrey and West London as they tackle food waste. He began the day in Sunbury-on-Thames to see how a food distribution charity called Surplus to Supper delivers, sorts and repackages unused food to community groups. His second port of call was to a youth center that receives regular deliveries of surplus food and distributes it to those in need.

The day highlighted Prince William's desire to build a waste-free world, a key template for the royal's environmental project, the Earthshot Prize. Tackling food waste and using surplus food is also something that his father, King Charles, has spotlighted since his coronation in 2023.

After putting on an apron to help a team of chefs prepare meals in the kitchen at the Surplus to Supper base at Sunbury Cricket club, William was handed a couple of get well cards for Kate and his father Charles by volunteer Rachel Candappa.

William told her, "You're very kind, thank you very much," according to a post by ITN's Lizzie Robinson.

Related: Prince William Returns to Social Media with Personal Message amid School Break with Kate Middleton and Kids

In a moving video message released on March 22, Princess Kate, 42, announced she is receiving treatment after an unspecified cancer was detected following her Jan. 16 abdominal surgery.

The revelation came as the couple's three children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — started a school break surrounding the Easter holiday, giving the family a chance to privately spend time together after the public announcement. Prince William also postponed public duties following his wife’s health announcement and during their children’s school vacation. The parents of three usually keep royal engagements to a minimum to spend time with their children during school breaks.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson previously said the Prince of Wales "will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year."

Related: Prince William Is Inspired by Queen Elizabeth's 'Playbook' amid Kate Middleton's Cancer News, Palace Source Says

It's unknown how long the Princess of Wales will be away from public duty amid her treatment, but she might join family events as and when she feels able to, palace sources said.

In her video message announcing her health news, Kate said that her husband of nearly 13 years was "a great source of comfort and reassurance."

"This is about supporting her and her feeling supported. It is a joint effort. She doesn’t feel isolated at all," a family friend told PEOPLE.

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"[The royal family] is vulnerable at the moment, and there will be an even greater appreciation that they are human beings with frailties like the rest of us," a former palace aide told PEOPLE in March. "They are so dedicated to their roles. I think you will find when Kate makes a full recovery, she will come back even more passionate."

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Read the original article on People.