Take care of Kate! 'I will' replied William

PRINCE William promised to "take care" of wife Kate yesterday when he made his first public appearance since she bravely revealed that she is battling cancer.

- Emily Ferguson

PRINCE'S PLEDGE AS WIFE BATTLES CANCER

He made the comment after being moved by a volunteer who handed him two "Get well soon" cards - one for his father King Charles, who is also being treated for cancer, and one for Kate.

The Princess, 42, told the nation, in a televised address on March 19, she is receiving cancer treatment.

Charity worker Rachel Candappa, 71, had stayed up late the night before William's visit to a food distribution charity, so she could finish writing a heartfelt message to his wife.

William, 41, looked visibly moved when Rachel handed him the cards.

He placed a hand on her shoulder and said: "Thank you, you are very kind." But the heir to the throne then changed the subject to something less emotive and chatted to the charity worker about spaghetti hoops.

Speaking after their talk, Rachel revealed: "I said 'Take care of her.' And he said 'I will'."

She said she was surprised to have been given the opportunity to give the cards to the future King but, after shaking hands with him, vowed: "I'm never washing my hand again!" 

Rachel said she only finished writing the cards at 1am yesterday.

Her message in Kate's card read: "Nation's hearts were broken when you very courageously went on the global stage on your own to talk about your personal health issues." She praised the Princess for assuring people she "will fight this dreadful 'C' disease".

And she added: "You must have had a lot of steel in you to hold it together.