CHARLES THE 2ND..CHAPTER

Monarch marks mother's passing. He looks to the future with hope

- RUSSELL MYERS

THE King is looking forward to the "second chapter" of his reign it was revealed, as he marked the second anniversary of the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

His first two years on the throne have been tumultuous as he dealt with cancer, the fallout with his son Prince Harry and the ill health of son Prince William's wife, Kate.

But those close to Charles reveal that the 75-year-old monarch is determined to return to his duties with "renewed vigour".

One source said: "There has been a lot going on but the King has always been upbeat.

"Not once has he allowed himself to question the future - he has dealt with everything head-on.

"Now he is back in business. There is a spring in his step and a renewed vigour with it, too. Everything is looking positive, which is welcome." The King has been putting the finishing touches to arrangements for his first international tour with Queen Camilla. They head to Australia and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa next month.

Charles has told aides he wants to "make up for lost time" and cement his own legacy, while at the same time deliberating on plans to commemorate his late mother.