Fit and well: King was 'in really good spirits' on first day back

KING Charles was said by Katarina Johnson-Thompson to be in "good spirits" as he presented the double world heptathlon champion with an MBE.

- Tony Jones

Charles returned to official public duties yesterday after cancelling a string of engagements last week when he experienced temporary side effects from cancer treatment.

Katarina, 32, was recognised for her outstanding track and field career during the investiture ceremony hosted by Charles, 76, at Windsor Castle.

Gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, who was made a CBE, also praised his friend the King for his "boundless energy".

Charles welcomed dozens of recipients to the castle after having a restful weekend and working on state business on Monday.

Katarina said afterwards: "He seemed in good spirits. You know it's long, all day, because so many people are getting honoured today.

"So he seems in really good spirits and I'm happy to see that he's fit and well." Katarina won a world heptathlon gold medal in 2023, four years after she first scooped the title.