LOOKING HAPPY AND HEALTHY THE KING AND QUEEN BRING EASTER CHEER ON THEIR FIRST WALKABOUT SINCE CANCER DIAGNOSIS

There was a distinct chill in the air, but unmistakable warmth in the greeting given to the King when he joined his family for church on Easter Sunday.

- DANIELLE STACEY

His Majesty was clearly deeply touched by the outpouring of affection from well-wishers young and old, who turned out in force on a fresh spring day to show him their support and filled the air outside St George’s Chapel in Windsor with cries of “Happy Easter”.

Making his first public outing since beginning his treatment for cancer earlier this year, the 75-year-old monarch smiled delightedly as he chatted to the crowds on a spiritlifting walkabout, shaking hands with 56 people.

He seemed taken aback by the turnout, telling the crowd: “You’re very brave to stand out here in the cold,” while a young boy presented the Queen with a posy of white and yellow flowers.

The King's “mischievous twinkle”, so often commented on by those who have met him, was also in evidence when one kindly member of the public advised him: “Never give in. Keep going strong.”

“I just obey my instructions,” quipped the King, glancing towards his loving wife of almost 19 years, who has been his rock through these past challenging weeks.

WELCOME RETURN

His presence at the annual event, together with the fact he was on such good form, was a reassuring sight for the crowd, signifying the start of his comeback.

Indeed, describing the outing as a “significant step” in the King’s recovery, a Palace source said His Majesty, whose medics had advised him to avoid large crowds and who, to minimise risk, sat apart from his wider family inside the chapel, has “responded to treatment very encouragingly”.

He is “doing well and the road ahead is looking very positive”, added the source.