Prince William promised to “look after” the Princess of Wales as he made his first public appearance since her cancer announcement a month ago.

The Prince of Wales, 41, gave a helping hand loading food and cooking in the kitchen at food distribution charity Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. Volunteer Rachel Candappa, 71, handed two get well soon cards to the prince addressed to the King and Kate. William, who looked visibly moved, said: “Thank you, you are very kind”. When Rachel told the heir to the throne to look after Kate he placed his left hand on her shoulder and promised “I will”. Speaking afterwards Rachel, of Sunbury-on-Thames, said: “I said take care of her and he said ‘I will’.

William is given get well cards for Kate and the King by a volunteer ( 
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“I was at home at 8.30 last night and I thought I had to do something this is a chance to give a card directly to the palace officials. I didn’t think I’d be able to give the cards to William. I said ‘can I shake your hand?’, I loved it, he was very down to earth. I’m never washing my hand again.

“He pointed at the food and said ‘that’s spaghetti hoops’ and I asked ‘how do you know about spaghetti hoops and he said ‘I’ve got children’.”

Rachel also revealed text that had written inside the car that 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. With no trimmings or flowering around issues, you gave the chance just few chosen words to assure anyone who cares to listen that you will fight this dreadful “C” disease. You must have had a lot of steel in you to hold it together.

William helps out by chopping celery ( 

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“Your Royal Highness you are going to beat this with the support of your dutiful and loving husband, caring parents and very close siblings. It’s no miracle not only His Majesty the King but the whole world is proud how you are focusing on to keep healthy and protect your children through this difficult times. You have not stepped a foot wrong to date and don’t let anyone say otherwise. The whole nation will be behind you.”

Founded in 2017, Surplus to Supper sources and distributes an average of 10 tons of food per week to food banks, schools, care homes, religious organisations and youth centres. At the charity William made a donation of supplies from his Adelaide Cottage kitchen – a crate of pasta, potatoes, tinned soup.

On arriving at the charity, which is based at Sunbury Cricket club, he told his hosts “Louis loves” cricket as he was introduced to them. Inside, the prince witnessed volunteers sorting out goodies including soaps, hand wash and make-up and was surprised to see a rose collagen mist spray. He told host Claire Hopkins, operations director of Surplus to Supper, he was surprised “how much we throw away” as he witnessed all goodies being reused.

The prince also helped out in the kitchen with chef Mario Colfait who was making bolognese, sausage casserole and chili con carne. He pulled on an apron called out: “It smells good in here Mario” before being handed a massive knife and asked to slice celery for the pot.

The kitchen cooks ‘culturally-appropriate’ food delivered to families in the area. William joked he was worried about slicing his off fingers. He said: “It’s the biggest knife, hope for the best” and added: “I don’t want to mess up everyone’s lunch. I hope I haven’t ruined your lunch, but you can blame me.”

Watching volunteers pack up food for the needy, he said: “It’s amazing the amount of food and variety.” Speaking about his cooking skills, he told volunteers: “Mario took one look at my chopping and said ‘move on’. I’m never normally trusted with a knife I’d cut my finger off. You all do a fantastic job and all this food is making my tummy rumble.”