The Prince of Wales is patron of the London Air Ambulance and is a former air ambulance pilot.

His last official engagement was on January 11 when he surprised Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield by awarding them with their CBEs during a meeting in Leeds.

William cleared the diary following Kate’s surgery, which included postponing two foreign visits. The couple were due to travel to Italy in March – their first official visit to the country since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales – and visit British troops stationed abroad.

The announcement comes a week after Kate was discharged from hospital, having spent 13 nights recovering from her planned operation.

Details of her condition have not been disclosed, but aides said it was non-cancerous. The Princess of Wales is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said last week: “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress.

“The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”