King Charles drives Queen Camilla to Crathie Kirk near Balmoral amid cancer treatment - after it emerged monarch told aides he plans to attend Royal Ascot

King Charles and Queen Camilla looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral. 

The 75-year-old monarch's appearance comes after it emerged that he plans to attend the Royal Ascot this summer, despite his ongoing battle with cancer. 

The five-day race, which is held in June, is said to be of much importance to the King as he wants to honour his late mother the Queen, who only missed one Ascot during her 70-year reign. 

In recent weeks, the King, who revealed he had an unnamed form of cancer in February, has been making more and more public appearances, to the relief of the British public. 

Charles largely stepped back from his public facing duties after revealing his shocking diagnosis, yet has continued to read his daily red boxes and have his weekly audience with the Prime Minister.  

King Charles and Queen Camilla looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk

King Charles and Queen Camilla looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk

The King, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, is understood to be keen to be back in action – and aides are so pleased at his progress they are planning for him to attend the event. Pictured: The King and Queen Camilla on day three of Ascot last year

Earlier this week, the monarch waved cheerfully to fans and tourists who were stood outside Clarence House when he pulled out in his maroons state Bentley limousine. 

Excited royal watchers took photos of Charles as he passed, with many appearing shocked that they had been so lucky to get a glimpse of the King in real life. 

It is understood that over the coming weeks Charles plans to 'ramp up his schedule' which is good news for royal fans, who are still reeling from Princess of Wales cancer diagnosis that sent shockwaves around the globe.

One insider previously told the Mail: 'The idea of a monarch cloistered away just wouldn't wash nowadays and will only create damaging speculation about His Majesty's health.'

A source added last month: 'While it is too early to confirm things – and, of course, it is relatively early in His Majesty's treatment cycle – the patient is positive, the doctors are optimistic and the treatments are incredibly sophisticated.'

Last night, the Mail on Sunday revealed, that the King is keen to be back in action, with aides planning his attendance at Ascot.

He was previously expected to miss out on the occasion - because of his treatment - however he is determined to watch his horses, many of which were bred by his late mother.

The King has told courtiers that he wants to honour the memory of his late mother by attending this summer's Royal Ascot. Pictured with Queen Camilla on day five of Ascot last year

Kate, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte looking up at the sky during last year's Trooping the Colour event 

A racing source said: 'Racing is an important part of the legacy that he inherited from his mother, and one that he treasures. That's why he will be so keen to go.' 

Charles is expected to spend 'at least' one day at the event alongside his friends and family.  

It has also been touted that the King will attend Trooping the Colour, which takes place three days before Ascot begins. 

Last month, chaos was caused when the Army's official website announced that Kate Middleton would be attending the event, that takes place every June, marking her return to public life after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

The error, which was made before the Princess publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis, caused a frenzy with royal fans rushing to get tickets.

But Kensington Palace had not confirmed Kate's attendance and MailOnline understood Palace officials were not consulted on the update by the Ministry of Defence.