King Charles is in "great form" and "excited to be getting on the road again" as he prepares to step out in Rome today for the start of a four-day tour of Italy alongside Queen Camilla.
The 76-year-old monarch has insisted on putting "duty before everything" as he continues to battle cancer and manage controversial family issues.
Royal sources have told how the King is "completely unfazed" by his recent admission to hospital, following temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment.
One source close to the King told the Mirror: "Everyone has seen in recent days that he is in great form."
King Charles prepares to step out in Rome today for the start of a four-day tour of Italy alongside Queen Camilla
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Charles has been undergoing weekly treatment at a London cancer unit since his diagnosis last February.
The King at the end of last month was forced to spend several hours under observation after suffering an adverse reaction to his treatment.
Palace aides suggested the issue was "not uncommon with many medical treatments".
Charles cancelled a day and a half of engagements, including an away day in Birmingham on March 23, before being advised to recover over the weekend.
King Charles has insisted on putting 'duty before everything' as he continues to battle cancer and manage controversial family issues
Getty
Sources said his time at Highgrove allowed him to "take a breather" and recover fully in time for the tour.
One insider revealed: "Italy was never in doubt, but what His Majesty's break did do was allow him to slow down if only for a couple of days."
The short hospital stay was dubbed by royal sources a "minor bump in the road".
The King and Queen's visit to Italy will see the couple travel to Rome and Ravenna with a total of 17 engagements planned.
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Following their successful royal Autumn tour of the South Pacific last October, palace officials said the King was committed to a full schedule for 2025
ReutersCharles will meet Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, and prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, before making history as the first British monarch to address a joint session of Italy's parliament.
The Italian Air Force aerobatic team will join forces with the Red Arrows for a flypast over Rome.
The royal couple will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday at a state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale.
Following their successful royal Autumn tour of the South Pacific last October, palace officials said the King was committed to a full schedule for 2025.
