Queen Camilla issues health update on King Charles after monarch spent three nights in hospital recovering from surgery

QUEEN Camilla was cheered on by hundreds of excited children today as she completed her third engagement in three days.

With her husband and the Prince and Princess of Wales temporarily stepping back from royal duties, the Queen is the most senior family member undertaking engagements.

5

5

Camilla, 76, was asked for an update on Charles's health as she visited elderly residents of St John's Foundation almshouses in Bath to mark the group's 850th anniversary.

Sitting down for a cup of tea and a chat, 90-years-old Lisa Anderson asked if the King was safely resting at home after his procedure, to which Camilla replied: "Yes, he's recovering well thank you."

St John's Foundation, based in Bath, is one of the UK's oldest charities and provides shelter for older adults and helps children to make sure they have the best start in life.

Her Majesty, who has been patron of St John's Foundation since 2009, channelled this charitable spirit when she sat down for tea with Rita Willis, 86, one of the longest-staying residents at the almshouse.

As Ms Willis stood up to greet the Queen her St John's Foundation pin badge fell off - leading Camilla to kneel down on the floor to pick it up for her.

He's recovering well thank you.

Queen Camilla

Ms Willis then asked the Queen to pass on a message of thanks to King Charles for publicly speaking and raising awareness about his enlarged prostate, for which he received an operation last week.

"I will convey that to him," said Camilla, smiling warmly.

Showing no sign of fatigue despite her busy workload, the Queen also engaged in a lively discussion about the benefits of ballet and gardening with the residents, who receive free accomodation from the foundation if they are over 65 and cannot afford a home.

Speaking to 77-year-old Joanna Laurence about her hobbies, Camilla said: "I can recommend Silver Swans ballet for older people, the first one I ever came to was in Bath.

"You ought to try it, it's wonderful."

Looking smart in an Anna Valentine coat and Fiona Claire blouse, Camilla also discussed the benefits of gardening.

"It gets everybody outside, I find it the most relaxing thing in the world, you come in and everything starts stiffening up. It's worth it.

"There's something very satisfactory about Highgrove's 18-year-old vegetables. It's wonderful to pass the time."

Stepping out into the warm sunshine, the Queen spoke to the large crowds who had gathered outside the almshouse and lined the city centre streets.

She was then greeted outside the abbey by the excitable cheers of 900 schoolchildren from seven nearby primary schools who screamed "Camilla" as she arrived, jumping up and down with Union Jack flags.

Her Majesty - and her team of aides - appeared pleased, perhaps even slightly surprised, by the barely-controlled enthusiasm of the young crowd, with an aide noting the atmosphere was "a real buzz".

The Queen was then met at the abbey by St John's Reverend Jacky Wise, the Rector of Bath Abbey, Reverend Canon Guy Bridgewater and the Right Reverend Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

She was seated for a moving service inside the abbey with performances from 90 children from six local schools that are supported by St John's Foundation.

Her Majesty then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 850th anniversary.

Camilla left the abbey to a rousing rendition of "God Save the King" and received flowers from two local schoolchildren, 7-year-old Robin Liddell and 8-year-old Mason Ricketts.

Speaking after the visit Ben Fletcher, Chairman of St John's Foundation, said: "It's wonderful to have the Queen here. She's able to shine a light on the work that we do, which helps us do more.

"In particular, this morning when she met the almshouse residents, that will be a fantastic experience for them that they'll remember and talk about.

"It's uplifting and gives them encouragement."

5

5

5