King Charles is spotted driving near Sandringham as he prepares for treatment on an enlarged prostate this week - as Camilla tells well-wishers the monarch is 'fine' during visit to jewellery shop

King Charles was pictured driving near Sandringham today as he prepares for treatment on an enlarged prostate later this week.

The monarch, 75, was spotted behind the wheel of his electric Audi 4×4 this afternoon.

Charles, who clasped the wheel with thick green woollen gloves, was sighted briefly before making his way back through the main entrance of his Norfolk estate, where he was saluted by a policeman.

Today, Queen Camilla described the King as doing ‘fine’ as she chatted to a member of the public during a visit to Deacon and Sons, a 175-year-old family run jewellery shop in Swindon.

Local woman Jessie Jackson, 86, said she shook the Queen’s hand and asked her how Charles was doing.  Nicky Jackson, 48, who accompanied her, added: ‘She asked how Charles was. He’s fine. We forgot about poor Kate.’

The monarch was spotted behind the wheel of his electric Audi 4×4 this afternoon

Today, Queen Camilla described the King as doing ‘fine’ while chatting to a member of the public during a visit to Deacon and Sons, a 175-year-old family run jewellery shop in Swindon

The Royal family has been hit by a double health woe this week with it also being announced Kate Middleton went under the knife for abdominal surgery (the Princess of Wales is pictured with Charles and Camilla in 2022)

Charles flew back to Sandringham from Scotland on Friday to prepare for his upcoming operation.

The monarch and his wife were flown more than 300 miles on a Royal Air Force jet from Aberdeen Airport to RAF Marham before being driven the final 15 miles.

He was pictured sitting in the back seat of his Audi EV while being driven by a chauffeur.

It comes at a difficult time for the Royal Family, with the Princess of Wales recovering in hospital from scheduled abdominal surgery and the Duchess of York revealing yesterday that she has skin cancer.

The Princess of Wales is said to be ‘doing well’ after going under the knife for her abdominal operation at The London Clinic near Regent’s Park last week.

She will remain in the exclusive clinic for up to 14 days, and is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.

Meanwhile, Sarah, 64, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – an aggressive form of skin cancer – after several moles were removed during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in June.

One was identified as cancerous and she is now undergoing further medical checks to make sure the cancer has been caught in the early stages.

Her Majesty was seen leaving the women’s refuge this morning with a colourful bouquet of flowers

The 75-year-old monarch will undergo surgery on an enlarged prostate next week and is currently resting at the Sandringham estate (pictured on January 7)

Earlier today, Camilla toured a domestic violence refuge to mark the service’s 50th anniversary.

She met staff, volunteers and families at Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS).

SDASS, which was founded in 1974 as Swindon Women’s Aid, is one of the few purpose-built refuges in the UK offering fully self-contained accommodation.

Camilla thanked a crowd of attendees for working to ‘obliterate abuse altogether.’

She said: ‘Before I go, I wish you all a very happy 50th birthday, (I would like) to say a huge thank you for the brilliant job you’re doing here for domestic abuse.

‘I’ve visited a lot of refuges over the years, but I can see there’s something very special here, you’re doing such a wonderful job in so many walks of life, you seem to be getting into everywhere, which is what is needed.

‘It’s not just looking after victims and the children – it’s getting into schools, teaching young people, teaching respect.

She said she hopes that years down the line charities like SDASS ‘might be able to put an end to the horrific abuse that people are suffering.’

She added: ‘Thank you all very much for playing a wonderful part on the road to obliterating abuse altogether.’ 

Camilla met staff, volunteers, families and partner agencies including Wiltshire Police and Swindon Borough Council to highlight their work

She was seen making her way across the grounds, ensuring to greet everyone in attendance at the event

During her appearance at the refuge, the queen unveiled a plaque in honour of the beneficiaries and also received a bouquet of flowers, presumably gifted to her by one of the guests

She also praised the charity’s ‘brilliant’ work in helping victims of domestic violence and wished them a ‘happy birthday’

For her make-up, the queen donned a natural glow, enhanced only by subtle pink blush and a matching pink lip

During today’s events, Camilla layered the stunning coat with what appeared to be a forest-green knit jumper, a white dress blouse and a red tartan print skirt.

She teamed the look with a pair of black suede round-toe boots and accessorised with gold drop-down earrings and her signature Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet.

For her make-up, she donned a natural glow, enhanced only by a subtle pink blush and a matching pink lip.

Her short-cut tresses were laid to perfection, including a side-swept fringe which lay just above her eyebrows.

Camilla put on animated display and appeared to be in high spirits throughout her visit to the charity.

The Queen was particularly interested in the ‘Open2Change’ initiative that works with perpetrators and victims to eradicate abuse in relationships.

Manager Louisa Wrighton said the Queen was pleased when told that up to 75 of the perpetrators they have worked with have not reoffended and was supportive of their efforts to get more funding to roll out the scheme.

‘Her Majesty was interested in what we do and the detail of how it works,’ said Louisa.

The organisation supports, and promotes prevention, education and early intervention, including work with perpetrators.

While presiding over the charity’s events, she stated her hopes for their work to continue into the future

She sported the cheeriest of smiles after unveiling a plaque at the women’s refuge

Queen Camilla also met families living in the refuge – which cannot be identified for safety reasons – and toured a resident’s flat, before unveiling a plaque to celebrate the charity’s anniversary.

She was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton, a close friend of hers, and Nicky Alberry, Chair of Trustees of SDASS.

During a short reception, she joined teams from across the organisation, including those who support families in the refuge and women, men and children in the community who have been affected by abuse.

The Queen then made a private visit to a resident’s flat and met current residents and their children, before joining staff and partner agencies.

The charity opened its first refuge in 1975 and the one visited by Queen Camilla is one of the few purpose-built refuges in the UK offering fully self-contained accommodation.

The refuge has 20 one, two and three bedroom flats plus two emergency bedsits and can host 22 families at any one time.

In 2019, the charity rebranded as Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) in recognition of the fact that domestic abuse affects women, men and children.

The monarch concluded her speech by thanking the charity for its hard work once more

Well-wishers were seen gathering yesterday in the hopes of getting a glimpse of the King walking to the St Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate but found gates to the paddock outside were locked

Charles was last pictured (above) attending a service at the church on Sunday January 7, two weeks ago

Well-wishers gathered yesterday in the hope of catching a glimpse of the King walking to the 11am service at St Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate, but he was not in attendance.

Charles had been expected to walk the quarter of a mile from Sandringham House to the church, as he almost always does when his in his residence at his private retreat.

There was no sign of him appearing as the bells pealed and the service got underway in the 18th century church where members of the Royal family traditionally worship while on winter breaks.

Holiday lettings housekeeper Maxine Sykes, 44, and her mother Victoria Martin, 67, are holidaying in Norfolk and had hoped to see the King.

Maxine of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, said: ‘We came up to Sandringham for a wander around and saw people waiting so we decided to investigate.

‘We thought it would be nice to get a glimpse of the King, but unfortunately he has not come out.’

Victoria, of Rye, East Sussex, added: ‘It’s a shame we have not seen him, but it is understandable if he wants to keep quiet before going into hospital.

‘He might also have thought it best to keep a low profile because of all the interest in his daughter-in-law Kate being in hospital, and the concerns for her.’

Other onlookers said it was ‘highly unusual’ to find the gates to the church paddock locked so nobody could get through.

His Majesty speaks to members of the public ahead of the Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on January 7

The King appeared to be in good spirits after leaving the service and spoke with Simon and Georgina Ward and their sons William and Oliver

One person, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It was never locked when the old Queen was alive and it is usually open when Charles is here.

‘The last time he was at the church was two weeks ago before he went to Scotland, and people could walk down and see him.

‘I was a little disappointed that he didn’t come because I wanted to wish him the best of luck for his surgery.’

A detailed statement about Charles’ diagnosis was released last week in a departure from royal protocol by the Palace, which rarely reveals details about the monarch’s private medical issues.

‘In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,’ it read.

‘His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.’

Royal sources said Charles was ‘very keen’ to share his condition with the country in order to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice. He is understood to be in ‘genuinely good spirits’.

The King is currently staying at Birkhall in Scotland with his wife, Queen Camilla, with whom he was seen at church on Sunday. It has not been confirmed where his surgery will take place,

It is understood that Charles only received his diagnosis yesterday after expressing concern earlier this week and getting checked out by doctors.

‘It is unconventional [to make the news public] but the King was very keen to help encourage awareness around this issue,’ a source said.

‘It is eminently treatable and a very straight forward procedure but it’s important men come forward in the first place to get themselves checked.’

The brave move was welcomed by men’s cancer charities last night who thanked the 75-year-old monarch for helping to ‘shine a light’ on prostate conditions, which are often seen as taboo.

An enlarged prostate – medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – can be very uncomfortable, causing difficulty urinating and a frequent need to urinate.

While the condition does not cause prostate cancer it has similar symptoms to the disease, which kills one man in the UK every 45 minutes – more than 12,000 men a year.

It is thought that the Princess of Wales will resume working in a reduced capacity once she is discharged from hospital. The Wales’ are nevertheless said to be focusing on family

The Princess of Wales is said to be ‘doing well’ and will spend the next 10 to 14 days recovering in hospital

It has been revealed that Prince William will not seek to alter the status of the Church of England when he becomes King, despite being less religious than his father or grandmother

Camilla revealed last week that the King was ‘fine’ and ‘looking forward to getting back to work’ as she made a solo visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery.

She spoke of her husband’s health as she open the Gallery’s new Safe Space, an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse.

Camilla was reported as appearing cheery, and adopting the keep calm and carry on approach often associated with the late Queen.

The Princess of Wales was admitted to the private London Clinic hospital on Tuesday for successful abdominal surgery, which Kensington Palace said was planned.

She is said to be ‘doing well’ but will remain in the exclusive clinic for ten to 14 days, and is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.

Prince William spent time at her bedside on Thursday in a low key private visit.

He has stepped back from official duties for several weeks to care for his wife and juggle looking after their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Joe Little from Majesty magazine, has said that the health troubles of Charles and Kate have compounded the problems facing the small band of working royals.

Mr Little said: ‘The working members of the Royal Family have been under pressure to maintain the level of engagements undertaken by a much larger team in years gone by.

‘Suddenly removing three of the most senior players because of health issues compounds the problem considerably, but at least the King will be out of action for only a relatively short period.’

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment about King Charles’ non-attendance at church