King Charles and Kate's hospital heart-to-hearts: Monarch 'toddled in dressing robe' to visit Princess of Wales to 'encourage and support her' while they recovered from their surgeries and held private lunch this week the day before her cancer announcement

King Charles donned his dressing robe and 'toddled' over to comfort his daughter-in-law as they both recovered from surgery at the London Clinic, it emerged tonight.

Both the monarch and the Princess of Wales were inpatients at the prestigious clinic in Marylebone, north London, in January as they both underwent major surgery. 

Insiders told the Sunday Times that King Charles, who was treated for an enlarged prostate, was seen 'toddling' from his hospital bed, to see Princess Kate along the corridor.

At the time, Princess Kate had undergone major abdominal surgery - not thought to be for a malign condition - but post-operative tests found signs of cancer.

The idea of the sprightly King comforting his daughter-in-law - as they both dealt with major health curveballs - will warm the hearts of millions across the nation.

It was also revealed tonight how the pair had a lunch together the day before Kate made her announcement to the world. 

King Charles has always had a close bond with Kate, Princess of Wales (pictured atthe World premiere of the new film from the James Bond franchise 'No Time To Die')

Since marrying Prince William in 2011, Kate (left) has become close to her father-in-law, who acceded on the Queen's death in 2012

The King and Queen pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough, Warwickshire, in 2020

A source told The Sun it was held at Windsor Castle and had only between the two Royals.

They added: 'They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier the King had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis.

'The King left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter.

'There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles.'

Those familiar with the family said the adversity both of the senior royals were facing had strengthened their bond. 

Another insider said: 'There is a very strong relationship between their majesties and the Waleses. They are very close, even more so at the moment.'

A further source added to The Times: 'The King has always had a close, warm and unique relationship with the princess.

'She has a great love and respect for him and his position. 

'When they were in hospital together there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her. He has been encouraging and supporting her throughout.'

Details of the touching support meeting emerged tonight as it was also suggested the King is hoping to attend the royal family's traditional Easter Sunday service.

It may be his first public appearance after the Princess of Wales revealed she has cancer.

He may attend a smaller version of the annual service at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel alongside the Queen if his health allows.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children will not attend next week's service after Kate, 42, said she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in an emotional video message on Friday.

It is not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as the King has paused public-facing royal duties.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William went to the The Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey

King Charles III, himself undergoing treatment for cancer, pictured arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday

Charles has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after he was treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had abdominal surgery.

In an emotional video message, Kate spoke about the 'huge shock' after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the 'incredibly tough couple of months' her family have experienced, with her voice cracking with emotion at times during the footage.

Charles is said to be 'proud' of his 'beloved' daughter-in-law for her 'courage' in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.

Words of support also came from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who said: 'We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.'

The form of cancer has not been disclosed but the future Queen began a course of 'preventative chemotherapy' late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as 'well and getting stronger every day'.

William and Kate have focused on their children, taking the time to sensitively share the state of the princess's health with Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis.

King Charles arrives at the London Clinic in Marylebone this morning for treatment 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart The London Clinic in central London where he had undergone prostate surgery on January 29

Well-wishers went to Windsor in Berkshire, on Saturday morning, including Linda Boby, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, who told PA: 'It's such a shock, she's such a young lady and she deserves her privacy.'

Local Clementine Black, 49, a business consultant, said: 'It's unbelievably upsetting that Kate has to come out and say this because of online speculation to be honest.'

Political leaders of all sides have expressed sympathy and support for Kate and criticised what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described as the 'intense scrutiny' she has faced from social media and sections of the media around the world.

Lord David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: 'My thoughts go out to The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales and their three young children at this time.

'The strength of the princess - speaking so frankly, with all the pressures of publicity and bringing up a young family - is remarkable and is rightly admired around the world.'

On Friday evening, hashtags including 'WeLoveYouCatherine' and 'GetWellSoonCatherine' were trending on X.

It is understood the video message, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, was released on the day William and Kate's three children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother's health.

The announcement may end weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the whereabouts and health of the future Queen.

Rumours online about Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.

It is now understood the prince's decision not to attend was related to his wife's condition, but it is not known when the princess was told about the positive test for cancer.

Further speculation was triggered after the princess admitted to 'editing' her official Mother's Day photograph which had irregularities.

A further development saw an investigation launched by the UK's privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office, into allegations there were attempts to access Kate's private medical records at the London Clinic where she had her surgery.

It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.

William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.

The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.