GET WELL SOON! KING JOKES: T'M DOING MY BEST!'

THE King jokingly assured well-wishers, "I'm doing my best!" during a surprise walkabout, which a Palace source said shows a "significant step" forward in his cancer recovery.

- Emily Ferguson

Charles thrilled hundreds of royal fans at Windsor with his most significant public appearance since revealing the diagnosis.

Smiling and waving, he was cheered and applauded as he emerged from St George's Chapel with the Queen to cries of "Happy Easter!" Urged by one bystander to "Get well soon!" Charles, 75, quipped "I'm doing my best!" as he brushed off guidance and shook hands with the crowds. It is understood he previously had been advised by doctors to minimise close contact.

A Palace source said: "The King has responded to treatment very encouragingly over past weeks and his doctors were thus able to adjust their guidance slightly on what His Majesty is now able to undertake, including attendance at the Easter service and greeting well-wishers who had kindly turned out to show their support."

The King and Queen took time to greet the excited throng in a clear sign that the monarch has been missing the public-facing side of his role, commenting that the crowds were brave "to stand out here in the cold".

Katrina Warne, 62, of Brookwood, Surrey, said: "He looked remarkably well, I have to say. Much better in the flesh than he has done in his recent portraits. It was amazing to see him. What a lovely man."

In another touching encounter, one man said "Happy Easter, Your Majesty, never give in, keep going strong," prompting Charles to glance at Camilla by his side and joke: "I just obey my instructions."