HAS THE KING BEEN OVERDOING IT?

The King and Queen are currently enjoying a much deserved holiday at Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands.

- Emily Andrews

Courtiers tell me that Charles has been looking forward to the rest after he threw himself back into public life at the end of April.

Over the past couple of months, alongside meetings and engagements, he has crammed in Royal Ascot, the Japan State Visit, Holyrood Week and a visit to the Welsh Parliament, as well as welcoming a new Prime Minister.

During one week in July, which Palace insiders admit was ‘intensely busy’, Charles visited the Channel Islands, attended the State Opening of Parliament and met world leaders at Blenheim Palace.

The packed schedule has led to concerns that the King, 75, has been overdoing it as he is still undergoing cancer treatment, but aides tell me his diary is very carefully balanced on medical advice.

Palace staff have been ‘very encouraged’ by the recent programme, with the royal calendar looking reassuringly normal.