After nearly a month away from his royal duties as his wife, Kate Middleton, recovered from surgery, Prince William returned to the Court Circular with a morning investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Awardees at the event included charity founders and athletes. Afterward, Kensington Palace shared images to their social media accounts, along with the caption, “Honoring amazing people doing incredible things in our communities up and down the country.”

It was William’s first public appearance since King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosis Monday, and former England national soccer player Ellen White mentioned the king when she received her MBE. “I sent my best wishes to the King,” she told the PA after the ceremony. “I just think, you know, it must be a difficult time for the family.”

Only hours before the palace shared news Monday of Charles’ diagnosis, William’s office announced his plans to return to work by hosting the investiture—something only the prince and Princess Anne may host in the king’s absence—and attending a gala for the London Air Ambulance. But a royal source told the Daily Mail that William isn’t returning to royal work full-time yet, and he has the king’s blessing. “The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a wonderful job,” the source said. “He understands that family comes first.” 

The king will not hold public engagements while he undergoes outpatient treatment, and the tabloid reports that the team at Kensington Palace, which is home to William and Kate’s offices, and the king’s staff at Buckingham Palace have been discussing potential opportunities for William to stand in for his father at important events. Charles will continue to receive his daily delivery of government papers, hold virtual meetings with the Privy Council, and talk with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak weekly. According to the BBC, this week the pair met by phone. 

On Tuesday, Charles and Queen Camilla were spotted driving from Clarence House, their London home, to Buckingham Palace, after a meeting with Prince Harry that reportedly lasted about 45 minutes. Later, the king and queen took a helicopter to Sandringham House, the royal family’s estate in Norfolk. While Charles undergoes treatment, Camilla will continue to have a full schedule of events. Princess Anne is also continuing to work at the pace that made her 2023’s busiest royal, attending four different events in Windsor, Nottingham, and London on Tuesday alone.