I'm still alive

THE King yesterday joked, "I'm still alive" as he looks forward to a busy 2025 despite his continuing cancer treatment.

- RUSSELL MYERS

Charles has told royal aides he is prepared for a full schedule to make up for lost time after battling the disease over the past year.

Palace sources say the monarch, 76, has "radiated positivity" throughout his illness, while also keeping a "great sense of humour".

He made the quip during his final engagement before Christmas when Harvinder Rattan, a Sikh faith representative, said: "Your Majesty, good morning, how are you?" Charles and Queen Camilla hailed community spirit as they met local volunteers, young people, emergency services and faith leaders at Waltham Forest Town Hall, in north-east London.

The area had been earmarked for farright demonstrations in August, but at least 5000 counter-protesters had gathered to "take a stand against racism and violence" in a move lauded by the Palace at the time.

Yesterday, Charles and Camilla donated food for residents and two bags of teddy bears for local children, before chatting to workers at Haven Coffee, which trains refugees to be baristas.