King Charles jokes about getting older during RHS Sandringham Flower Show

King Charles drew laughter from well-wishers today when he joked about the hardships of getting older during a visit to the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show in Norfolk.

The event marks a historic first, with the Royal Horticultural Society staging its own show at a royal residence.

A member of the public told the monarch: "I'm the same age as you. You are looking good!"

The King responded with characteristic wit: "It gets much harder, doesn't it?"

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Though the monarch marked his official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour last month, he does not turn 78 until November. Queen Camilla, who accompanied him, celebrated her 79th birthday just days ago.

The lighthearted exchange carried a certain poignancy, given that no formal update on the King's health has been issued for more than six months.

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King had received a cancer diagnosis, discovered during treatment for a benign prostate enlargement. The Palace declined to disclose the specific form of cancer, stating only that it was not prostate cancer.

His most recent remarks on the matter came in December 2025, when he recorded a personal video message for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

"I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming," he said. "Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys."

The King also indicated at that time that his treatment would be "reduced" during 2026, though he offered no further detail about the nature of that treatment.

During a visit to Ulster University in Northern Ireland last year, he asked fellow cancer patients whether they were managing to "survive the side effects alright," adding: "You just have to push on, don't you."

And, following his meeting with his father at Highgrove earlier this month, Harry was overheard informing fellow guests at the Time100 Sports Gala in New York City that King Charles is "doing great."

LATEST ROYAL NEWS

• Prince Louis features in Prince George's birthday video as brothers share sweet moment
• King Charles wishes grandson Prince George a happy birthday as he becomes a teenager
• Princess slammed for 'attention-seeking' outfit during national celebration

Today, the King and Queen made a suitably regal entrance to the RHS, which the Sandringham Estate has agreed to host once every three years, arriving by horse-drawn carriage from Sandringham House through the Old Norwich Gates.

The King, dressed in a light suit and carrying a walking stick, toured several show gardens alongside the Queen, who wore a green and white patterned dress.

He described the RHS Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald in collaboration with himself, as "fantastic."

The sovereign quizzed a group of schoolchildren about whether they grew vegetables. When a teacher mentioned tomatoes and herbs, the King urged them to try spinach, declaring it "the best thing in the world."

The Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee Award went to Colin and Esta Jones from Roaleyn Fuchsias in the Conwy Valley.

Having spent considerable time mingling with the crowds, the King and Queen climbed back aboard their carriage, drawn by two white horses, and returned to Sandringham House.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter