Prince William shares rare insight into support for Kate and King: 'It means a great deal to us'

William said: “I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all.”

William attended the London Air Ambulance Gala at Raffles, a luxurious hotel in London, where he brushed shoulders with Hollywood star Tom Cruise.

William joked: “It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus. So I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all.”

On Monday, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, but the type of cancer has not been disclosed.

The news came as the Princess of Wales continues to recover from an abdominal operation at their Windsor home.

William continued: “But, seriously, we gather tonight to help as many as people as possible benefit from top-class care in the silhouette of London Air Ambulance’s flying lifelines.

“As a former pilot for East Anglia Air Ambulance, I know just how vital the work of air ambulance teams across the country is, and the truly life-saving difference it can make to deliver urgent medical care wherever injury strikes.”

The Prince of Wales flew for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015 after leaving his duties in the Armed Forces.

In his speech, William urged for new fleets to be added to the Air Ambulance charity revealing that they “are up against time.”

The prince said: “Here in London, the current aircraft have served magnificently. But our capital city needs a new fleet. And we are up against time. The clue really is in the Appeal's name. By September, we need the two new red birds - decked with the latest kit such as night vision - in our skies.

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“You wouldn't be here if you needed much persuading, I know. But just wait to hear Milana's story later of how the Air Ambulance, and its incredible teams, have given her a second chance at life.”

Prince William also poked fun at American actor, Tom Cruise, who was attending tonight’s event in London.

The prince teased: “I should also take this opportunity to give a mention to my - our - fellow pilot, Tom Cruise. Tom, huge thanks for supporting us tonight.

“And Tom if you wouldn't mind not borrowing either of the new helicopters for the next Mission Impossible, it would be appreciated.

"We have all seen on our screens that - how can I put it - you seem to have a different take on 'normal wear and tear' to the rest of us. It's not the kind that buffs out."