INCREDIBLE plans for the world’s largest plane reveal how the giant cargo plane could be the key to transporting some of the largest objects on the planet.

With a gigantic length of 100 meters, the revolutionary WindRunner would be longer than the pitch at Wembley Stadium and could carry no less than 12 times more payload than a Boeing 747.

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The WindRunner, which will carry the enormous and heavy blades of a wind turbine, could officially become the largest aircraft in terms of length and cargo volume if built.

The smart team at Radia is behind the ambitious project that rocket scientist Mark Lundstrom is part of.

He has spent the past seven years working with his engineering team to finally nail down the concept of the jet.

The overall purpose of the aircraft is to address the many challenges faced when transporting offshore blades due to their size.

The largest blades are so enormous that the plane can only carry one at a time.

It is also 80 times larger than the largest military aircraft in the world

The WindRunner will be a beast in the air due to its impressive size.

It is 30 meters longer than a Boeing 747, the largest passenger plane in the world.

And despite the aircraft’s incredible length, it is also 23 meters high and has a wingspan of 261 meters.

At a speed of 0.6 Mach, the cargo plane, if built, can also carry a maximum payload of 72,575 kg.

The aircraft could potentially hold one large offshore blade at a time, or four smaller blades.

But Lundstrom is hopeful that the plane will one day expand its use and move other large equipment for military operations.

Or be used to help in the oil and gas industry, where it could make billions.

The Radia team expects commercial production of the aircraft to start in late 2027.

THE POWER OF WIND TURBINES

Offshore wind turbine blades are among the longest objects in the world and can currently only be transported by enormous boats.

The blades are made of fiberglass reinforced polyester or epoxy, which means they can weigh ridiculously much and be almost impossible to fit on vehicles that aren’t specially reinforced.

The heaviest knives can weigh as much as 26,000 kg, reports suggest.

But with the size and mass of the WindRunner, it could open up a whole new world, allowing even bigger blades to be produced.

In the future, Radia is considering using blades that can reach a range of up to 100 meters.

An astonishing increase from the current dimensions of only 229ft (70 meters).

Such projects could then help produce approximately double the amount of energy that current onshore installations can produce.

The larger the leaf, the more wind energy can be harvested at the same time.

Radia estimates that turbines with such large blades can reduce energy costs by 35 percent.

And it could also increase the consistency of energy generation by 20 percent compared to the current crop of onshore turbines.

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Apple Vision Pro users say they get stares from curious onlookers when they wear the $3,500 gadget in public.

Early adopters of the augmented reality device have shared bizarre videos of themselves typing on invisible keyboards and even wearing the kit while behind the wheel.

The Apple Vision Pro is “a spatial computer that combines digital content and apps in your physical space and lets you navigate with your eyes, hands and voice,” according to the manufacturer.

In simple terms, you can enjoy virtual reality features while still being able to see the world around you.

The technology was released in the US on February 2 and Apple sold out its pre-orders on January 19, selling 200,000 devices. There has already been a lot of fuss about it, but not all the attention has been positive.

Users report being criticized for covering their faces and being stared at by passersby who don't realize they could be seen, while others say they are often asked to try out the expensive device – much to their disdain.

Nikias Molina traveled from Barcelona to New York to buy a device and filmed himself typing on an invisible keyboard, much to the surprise of other subway users.

On his flight back to Spain, he was bombarded with questions from the person sitting next to him who asked him to try it on.

“I don't want to share it,” the 25-year-old YouTuber told the channel Wall Street Journaladding that a flight attendant also kept an eye on him the entire time.

“She thought I couldn't see her,” Molina said. “People are just curious.”

Dante Lentini also stunned social media users when he strapped on his Vision Pro and jumped into autopilot mode in his Tesla Model Y.

Video showed him swiping and tapping the air as his car drove itself.

He described the experience as “futuristic,” but online commenters raised concerns about the safety of using both simultaneously.

A community note in the post on

Ben Parr, a tech entrepreneur and investor, says a dozen people have approached him asking to wear the device.

“They ooh and ah when they see the screen and can see everyone around them,” he told the WSJ. “But generally speaking, I'll only let friends do it in the future.”

TikTok, meanwhile, is flooded with videos of Vision Pro users drawing funny looks for using the device in the wild or being parodied for their unusual appearance.

Southwest Airlines passenger Amit Gupta generated thousands of likes on his review of the technology during a five-hour flight.

However, some users have filmed themselves walking into coffee shops wearing the device and getting no response at all.

Vision Pro has a single, thick band at the back of the head, connecting a large, sleek screen that sits over the eyes.

In his review, DailyMail.com senior science reporter Matthew Phelan said he felt “stupid” using the device until he “remembered there were dozens of other people waving it around.”

As technology catches on, the world will undoubtedly develop its own views on what constitutes acceptable etiquette.

The VIsion Pro allows users to adjust the level of immersion, fading in or out of actual reality and the digital experience with something similar to a crossfade that 'dissolves' in a movie.

For new dad Anshel Sag, 34, the device provides welcome entertainment while his one-month-old daughter naps on his chest.

However, he has drawn the line at using it in front of his partner as he finds it too 'isolating'.

But his wife Talia Sag, 30, told the WSJ she wouldn't mind.

“We don't always have the same taste in shows,” she said. “That would be a nice way to spend time together while he can watch whatever he wants.”

• People who climb Mount Everest will have to take their poop back to base camp
• The rules stem from concerns that the feces left on Everest are not completely broken down

By Shivali Best for Mailonline

Published: 05:24 EST, February 9, 2024 | Updated: 06:41 EST, February 9, 2024

Not for nothing is she known as one of the hardest-working royals. But even die-hard fans might be surprised at the sheer scale of Princess Anne’s weekly workload.

And with her brother the King incapacitated indefinitely from public duties, the 73-year-old royal stalwart – who last year undertook 457 engagements – will be one of those picking up most of the slack.

On Tuesday her day started at Gatcombe Park, her country home near Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the punctual princess was picked up by helicopter at 9.30am to fly her to Windsor Castle.

There she undertook an investiture on behalf of the King, who had originally planned to hold it before his cancer diagnosis. 

In doing so she became the first member of the Royal Family to be seen performing public duties in the UK since news that the monarch was being treated was announced.

After arriving at 10am she changed into her Naval Uniform before the investiture started at 11am sharp. 

The princess spent almost two hours on her feet, handing out honours to almost 100 worthy members of communities the length and breadth of Britain, smiling and chatting happily.

They included Sara Cox, the world’s first professional female rugby referee, who was made an MBE for services to rugby union.

She said that she spoke at length with Anne – who is patron of the Scottish Rugby Union – about technology in the sport and rugby in general because she knew the princess was such a big fan.

According to aides, a sandwich was ‘scheduled in’ between precisely 1pm and 1.20pm – ‘not that Her Royal Highness ever really stops to eat it’. 

In this she is very much like her elder brother who famously refuses to eat at lunchtime – even if he is seated with other guests – and does not even drink water until the evening so he can carry on working without taking what the palace modestly refer to as ‘comfort breaks’.

At 1.20pm the princess boarded her helicopter again to fly to Nottinghamshire for two further long-planned public engagements, landing at 2.10pm.

Her first stop was ten minutes away, the Nottingham West Primary Care Network, where she braved cold, wet and windy weather to meet healthcare workers in her role as patron of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists. 

Wearing a purple skirt and jacket with knee high black boots, the Princess Royal was all smiles as she stepped out of a Range Rover after it pulled up outside the church hall in Eastwood, opposite a boxing gym, at 2.15pm.

She shook hands with Sir John Peace, the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire who acts as the King’s personal representative in the county, and exchanged a few words with him before going inside. 

The princess did not reply when asked by reporters how the King was doing – Buckingham Palace is keen not to give a ‘running commentary’ about his health – and spent almost an hour at the hall, speaking to staff about a project which is helping local residents improve their mental health.

Those at the event said she was in ‘good spirits’. John Ogle, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, said she was ‘extremely professional’ and ‘very knowledgeable’ about occupational health.

‘No one mentioned the King, she was here to hear about the work that is being done,’ he said.

She left the church hall at 3.20pm before travelling 12 miles south to G H Hurt & Sons, a family-owned luxury knitted lace firm based in Chilwell, Nottingham, arriving just before 4pm. The princess met staff in her role as patron of the UK Fashion and Textile Association.

Founded in 1912 and renowned for its exquisite lace shawls, the family firm boasts a long association with the Royal Family.

Most recently it hit the headlines when the Prince and Princess of Wales dressed their baby son, Prince George, in one of their £45 merino wool christening shawls which was identical to one Prince William had when he was a baby.

The princess left at 5.10pm and headed for London, landing on the helicopter pad at Kensington Palace at 6pm. She was met by a car which took Anne to her modest home/office at nearby St James’s Palace 15 minutes later.

There was just enough time for her to change and grab a bite to eat – little wonder she remains as trim as always – before leaving again at 7.05pm.

Her fourth and final engagement of an extremely long day was at the Science Museum in London to announce the winners of this year’s £500,000 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.

The princess said a few words and enjoyed a reception with the nominees before departing at 8.15pm for the 15-minute journey back to St James’s Palace where she was due to overnight.

A source told the Mail that while the day had been made ‘slightly busier’ than usual after the princess offered to step in to hold her brother’s investiture, it was ‘not untypical’ of her normal workload. Indeed by Friday she will have packed in a dozen or so public engagements, in addition to her private commitments.

Monday saw her visit a number of organisations in Wiltshire, while she will head to a military engagement in Oxfordshire first thing today, followed by another event in Marlow, Berkshire, and then on to London.

Tomorrow she will be working in London and on Friday she will be in Wales, packing in everything from visiting an industrial estate to examining maintenance work on a bridge.

‘Not everyone’s cup of tea but Her Royal Highness is rather like her late father and fascinated by everything to do with engineering,’ one source familiar with the princess’s work remarked.

Saturday will see her travel to Scotland to cheer on her beloved rugby team in the Six Nations tournament. Her duties are ‘bread and butter’ royal fare, another source says: Unveiling plaques, signing visitor books and shaking hundreds of hands.

‘Unlikely to get much in the way of public or media attention, but interactions that mean so much to the deserving people she meets and what we expect from the monarchy,’ they said.

Another insider added of the princess dubbed ‘The King’s wing-woman’: ‘It’s this kind of work that is so valuable and makes her such a star.’

Remarkably given her workload and her indispensability to the King, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter is currently just 17th in line to the throne.

That is because the law of primogeniture, which allowed royal male heirs to overleap their female counterparts, wasn’t changed until 2013. As a result Anne’s brothers, Andrew and Edward, leap-frogged her.

King Charles will carry on with his Royal duties while being treated for cancer by reviewing paperwork, signing documents and holding private meetings – but some may take place via Zoom calls. 

Charles, 75, received a shock cancer diagnosis just 17 months into his reign as King while undergoing his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. 

The monarch apologised for the decision to postpone his forthcoming public duties but will continue with his constitutional roles in private. 

Royal biographer Robert Hardman told Radio 4 the King’s roles will reflect those of the royal family during Covid, which saw more meetings take place via FaceTime and Zoom calls. 

He said: ‘Of course we can’t see the King out and about. I think his doctors, his family don’t want him going into rooms full of hundreds of people [with] germs that may or may not be there. 

‘They’ll want to keep things very much hermetically sealed in a sense but that doesn’t stop you doing things.’ 

Mr Hardman said meetings will be increasingly ‘Zoomed’ in order for the King to continue with ‘business as usual’ from the comfort of his private spaces. 

‘At the moment we’re seeing a fairly upbeat approach I think, it’s a case of business as usual as much as it can be business as usual,’ he said. 

Mr Hardman explained there will be moments when King Charles’ absence will be noted – possibly on Commonwealth Day in March – but the ‘day to day running of monarchy will not really change’. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was ‘shocked and sad’ by the King’s cancer diagnosis but will maintain ‘regular contact’ with Charles. 

‘Thankfully this has been caught early and now we’re wishing that he […] gets the treatment that he needs and makes a fully recovery and that’s what we’re all hoping and praying for,’ the Prime Minister said. 

‘I’m of course in regular contact with him and we’ll continue to communicate with him as normal.’

Charles’ ‘behind the scenes’ work is set to continue, meaning he will keep up with paperwork, signing documents and private meetings with Mr Sunak. 

If unable to complete his constitutional roles a mechanism will come into play, meaning other senior members of the royal family will act on the King’s behalf. These people include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Edward and Princess Anne – excluding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew who are not working members of the royal family. 

However, some have hoped the King’s diagnosis will ignite a reconciliation between Charles and his youngest son Prince Harry, who flew to London to visit his father from his California home. 

Mr Hardman said: ‘In times of crises families do come together, and I think everyone will be happy to see that. 

‘I think there is a sort of sense of business as usual going on and that’s very much a message that the palace is trying to put out, but if along the way we can see some bridges being built, then that’s got to be a good thing.’

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Hardman noted the differences between the King and the late Queen Elizabeth, saying: ‘I think it was always going to be his approach to the job. If you think back to 1952 we didn’t hear the Queen say anything for 10 and a half months.

‘With Charles, he had gone running around the country talking to people. He is comfortable with a greater degree of transparency.

‘He ploughs into crowds – he is of his generation. He is more comfortable with talking about this than the generations before him.’ 

Former Royal’s Communications Secretary Julian Payne said the King will likely be ‘deeply frustrated’ by the limitations forced upon him by his diagnosis. 

‘I think from a personal perspective, he will be deeply frustrated. His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation,’ he said. 

‘He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors.

‘That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can.’ 

He added: ‘He’ll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.’ 

The monarch apologised after the decision was taken to postpone his forthcoming public duties after his cancer diagnosis.

It means the King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family.

The annual Maundy Thursday Service and Easter engagements, including the Sunday service with other royal relatives, could also be out of the question for the monarch.

The King and Queen were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.

Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm whether the tours will go ahead, with no date suggested for the King’s return to full public duties.

His cancer diagnosis raises the prospect of the high-profile overseas visits – his first to the countries as King – being postponed.

No forthcoming state visits have officially been confirmed by the Palace.

The palace said the King ‘looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible’, but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.

It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State.

A palace spokesman said: ‘Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed.

‘His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.’

It is understood details of the King’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin.

The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties.

Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible.

The Prince of Wales could take on some of the King’s work as he is expected to return to public duties on Wednesday after the Princess of Wales’ major abdominal surgery last month.

It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through.

It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.

The King has already started a schedule of regular treatments and is said to be receiving expert medical care from a specialist team, but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties. The Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer.

Charles will carry on working behind the scenes on his red boxes – his state business and official papers, and returned from Sandringham to London on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.

He remains at home, most likely in Clarence House, his favoured residence in the capital.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

‘Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.

‘He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’

It is understood there are no current plans to appoint Counsellors of State – members of the royal family who step in when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties.

The King has rearranged or postponed any forthcoming public engagements, but it is understood to be too early to say when Charles will return to full public duties, although he is said to be looking forward to doing so as soon as possible.

A Palace spokesman added: ‘His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.’

The Palace has called for the King’s privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said the monarch wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities.

The spokesman said: ‘No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.’

He added: ‘The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities.

‘In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them.’

Charles, 75, was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing treatment on an enlarged prostate.

The shock news is the latest health scare to hit the royal family at the start of 2024, coming after the King’s hospital stay, Kate’s major abdominal surgery and Sarah, Duchess of York’s diagnosis of skin cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced on January 16 that the King was to have treatment for an enlarged prostate, but that the condition was benign.

The Palace announced the King’s cancer diagnosis at 6pm on Monday.

Charles, who acceded to the throne just 17 months ago, was last seen on Sunday when he attended church in Sandringham, but looked cheery as he walked along and waved at well-wishers.

The King was last night reported to be ‘hugely positive’ following shock news that he has cancer.

Family and friends were said to be amazed by his determination to carry on with ‘business as usual’. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good.

Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. 

Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition.

Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father. 

It is not known where the Duke of Sussex will stay with him being ‘homeless’ when he visits the UK, reported the Daily Telegraph, and needing permission from Buckingham Palace to stay on a royal estate.

Harry returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage last June when the prince and his wife Meghan Markle vacated the property. His request to stay at Windsor Castle was knocked back by the Palace when he last visited the UK in September and Harry ended up staying in a hotel. 

It will be the first time the pair have spent any significant time together in more than 18 months. Royal watchers were asking whether it might herald a thaw in relations.

Charles arrived in London yesterday morning from his Sandringham estate with his wife Camilla to start out-patient treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

She will be at her husband’s side throughout but has insisted on continuing with her public engagements. Other members of the Royal Family will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, including the Prince of Wales, who will return to duties tomorrow after his own wife’s medical issues.

While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his ‘red boxes’ of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings.

The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. 

Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie’s cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment.

She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was ‘getting on, doing his best’. A source said: ‘Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.’

In a statement Buckingham Palace said: ‘During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.

‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 

‘He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.’

Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King’s right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families.

No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days.

It was during this intervention that a ‘separate cause for concern’ was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer.

Details of his treatment are not being disclosed at this stage. A royal aide said: ‘No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.’

It is not known how long he will be away from public-facing duties. But a source explained: ‘The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities.

‘In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them.

‘His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.’

A family friend said Charles was being ‘hugely positive’, adding: ‘From what I know he is up and about as usual and he is so positive that you wouldn’t know he even had a condition. Luckily it has, as far as anyone can tell, been caught very early.

‘In terms of the treatment he is getting, the treatment for all cancers have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. The specialist ones they conduct now are incredibly sophisticated. He and his doctors are very, very positive.

‘I think it is something he may share more on in the future if he wants to but for the moment he wants to concentrate on his treatment and the work in hand.’

Another family source insisted that he was not cancelling public engagements because of his condition or any physical frailty. They said it was simply to ‘minimise in person contact’ because of the medical risks to him while undergoing treatment.

‘Obviously it is a shock but he is really doing very well,’ they added.

A royal aide said that ‘regrettably’ a number of public engagements would have to be rearranged or postponed.

‘His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence,’ they added.

However it is anticipated the King will continue with his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. Suitable arrangements will be made if doctors advise him this should not be done in person.

Rishi Sunak, who was informed of the King’s diagnosis before it was made public, said last night that he wished him a ‘full and speedy recovery’. Charles hopes to continue to undertake Privy Council meetings, but details have yet to be worked out.

Camilla will continue to have a full programme of public duties and the Mail understands that Princess Anne will carry out investitures.

Prince William hasn’t seen his father yet but has been in contact with him and is about to pick up public engagements once again following his wife’s lengthy hospital stay and recuperation for what has been described only as ‘abdominal surgery’.

Palace aides have at been pains to stress that the King will not need to appoint counsellors of state to step in.

World statesmen and religious leaders sent their love and support to the King and the Royal Family at this difficult time as crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to send best wishes to His Majesty.

US President Joe Biden said last night that he is ‘concerned’ about the King and plans to call him later. He told reporters: ‘I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing’.

He later tweeted: ‘Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery’. 

Former President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee in November US elections, wrote on his Truth Social network that the king was ‘a wonderful man’ and that ‘we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery’.

Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, said: ‘I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King’.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has yet to comment having just returned from Kyiv. 

Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said: ‘I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King’s diagnosis. I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima – a complete and swift recovery’. 

As the King’s cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged:  

The world is wishing the King well after he revealed his cancer. 

The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. 

A spokesman added: ‘Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed.

‘His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.’

Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, a source close to the Duke said: ‘The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. 

‘He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.’ 

All of the King’s siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh were told personally by Charles, royal aides said. 

The recent diagnosis means the King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family. 

It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. 

It is understood details of the King’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin.

The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties.

Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible.

It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through.

It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes.

He tweeted: ‘I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

‘We’re sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery.’

Canada is one of the 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: ‘On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery.

‘We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.’

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: ‘I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 

‘Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we’d all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight’s news.’

The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022.

Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s.

Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role.

The King’s diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as ‘abdominal surgery’ until after Easter.

The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife’s side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children.

Kensington Palace announced yesterday, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening.

While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign.

That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary.

Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school, Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage.

William and Kate’s team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings.

Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now.

The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back.

The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had ‘sought treatment’ for an enlarged prostate.

The palace added that His Majesty’s condition was ‘benign’ and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure.

They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check.

The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website.

His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery.

He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side.

Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness.

He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be ‘doing well’.

He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife.

Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was ‘doing fine’ and looking forwards to getting back to work.

Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was ‘getting on’ and ‘doing his best’, adding: ‘Thank goodness!’

One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder.

An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer.

But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer.

Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine.

Following today’s news, former Prime Minister and Mail columnist Boris Johnson wrote on X: ‘The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.’

Liz Truss, Mr Sunak’s short-lived predecessor as PM, said: ‘Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!’ 

Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the US State Department, said it is ‘incredibly sad news’ and added: ‘I’m very sorry for the King and his family’. 

He told a briefing of reporters that the Biden administration’s thoughts are with the King and the Royal Family. 

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a ‘full and swift recovery’ following his cancer diagnosis.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: ‘I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges.

‘My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.

‘I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.’

Northern Ireland’s new republican First Minister Michelle O’Neill wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 

‘I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,’ she posted on X.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was praying for the King.

‘I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the the very best for his treatment,’ she said.

‘I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.’

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said: ‘This is bound to be a profoundly unsettling piece of news at a time when symbols of stability and dependability are so vital for our well-being. 

‘In addition to the deep shared concern for King Charles at a personal level, we may well reflect on the importance of such symbols in giving us a focus for our life together as a family of national communities in the UK, a life together that goes beyond partisan rhetoric and mutual suspicion.’

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: ‘I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King’s diagnosis. 

‘I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima – a complete and swift recovery.’

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: ‘My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family.

‘His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable.

‘Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.’

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: ‘One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer.

‘Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.’

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said: ‘I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. 

‘On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King.’

A statement from Macmillan Cancer Support said everyone at the charity was sending their best wishes.

The statement on X said: ‘Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time.

The King has been a long-standing supporter of Macmillan, becoming patron of the charity in 1997.