Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS

The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids

- Judy Kean

It was typical of the kind of engagement Prince William has carried out hundreds of times in his years as a working royal.

During his visit to a food redistribution charity, he showed a keen interest in the work the organisation does, chatted with volunteers and joked about his culinary skills – or lack of them – as he sliced up celery.

But there was one brief moment during this – his fi rst engagement since his wife, the Princess of Wales, announced she’s undergoing treatment for cancer – when the emotion of the last few months looked like it might bubble over.

William, 41, appeared to be very moved when a wellwisher told him to “take care” of Kate. He put his hand on her shoulder and replied, “I will.” Then he swiftly changed the subject.

William’s return to duties came after he took time off to be with Kate, 42, who is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer, and their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince

Louis, six. The family spent the Easter holidays out of the spotlight at their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, before the children returned to their school close to their main home, Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate.

Throughout his wife’s illness – and that of his father the King, who also has cancer – William has juggled fulfi lling his work responsibilities with being there for his family. And while he’s acutely aware that he’s needed more than ever to represent the monarchy given that his father and wife are out of action, he’s determined to be around as much as possible, and keep life as normal as he can, for his young children.