King Charles health update as monarch reveals 'regret' over scrapped royal plans

Attendees included Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband and Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

The talks aimed to increase action across climate issues before the end of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty at the end of the year, and in advance of the UN climate change conference Cop29 in Azerbaijan.

During the reception in London on November 6, the King revealed his regret at not visiting Fiji on his recent royal tour of Australia and Samoa after being advised against it for medical reasons.

Speaking to the High Commissioner of Fiji, Jovilisi Vulailai Suveinakama, Charles admitted: "I felt so bad we couldn't get to Fiji (on the royal tour), the doctors wouldn't let me."

Charles visited Oceania in October, but the tour was pared down on doctors' advice due to the 75-year-old monarch's cancer diagnosis, with trips to New Zealand and Fiji scrapped.

However, Charles looked upbeat during Wednesday's reception, with the King picking a smart navy suit for the occasion.

He fastened a remembrance poppy pin on the lapel of his jacket and accessorised with a printed tie and matching pocket square.

Charles greeted guests, including Lammy and retired English yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs led a discussion about ending plastic pollution, hosted in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Emma Hardy, the Minister for Water and Flooding, hosted the talk, noting: "The King is clearly very passionate, both the plastic treaty and his support are really important as we build momentum in the next few weeks."

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Sophie Westlake, Deputy Director for the Government's International Energy Team added: "There was a real interest in the UK stepping up. It was about trying to work out who from financing is willing and ready to go on that journey with us.

"The King is keen to encourage and be a part of the mission that we set out."

Queen Camilla was notably absent from the reception after she cancelled her public engagements on Tuesday, November 5, so she could recover from a chest infection.

The 77-year-old royal is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.