CAMILLA Charles just wants to do more and more. He's driven to help others

THE Queen says the King is driven by helping others as he pledges to do more and more despite his continuing treatment for cancer.

- RUSSELL MYERS Royal Editor

Camilla revealed her husband's passion for his role as monarch is what “keeps him going” and has even aided his recovery from the disease.

Speaking this week on their state visit to Italy, Camilla joked how she - and Charles’ closest royal aides - had previously appealed to the King to reduce his extraordinary schedule.

But their pleas were dismissed by the 76-year-old, who insists his work is what drives him forward.

Camilla said: “I think he loves his work and it keeps him going.

“And I think it's wonderful, you know, if youve been ill and you are recovering, youre getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more. That's the problem!”

Asked what makes the King happy, the Queen, 77, added: “That's what hes driven by: helping others.”

Now back from their trip, which was taken at the behest of the government to strengthen ties with Italy as a key European and NATO partner, the pair have retreated to their Birkhall home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

There they will not only toast the success of the visit, but also finally enjoy some time to celebrate two decades of marriage.

On Wednesday, their 20th wedding anniversary, they had a busy day of official engagements in Rome.

Even though he continues to have weekly treatment for cancer - just three weeks ago he was in hospital suffering from side effects from the medication - the King is determined more than ever to press ahead.

Senior royal sources have revealed he and the Queen will undertake a number of state visits both at home and abroad this year.