The Bishop of Durham has told Premier how he thinks the King will cope, as his cancer diagnosis leads him to step back from public engagements.

Following Monday’s announcement that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from public-facing duties, Rt Rev Paul Butler praised the monarch for his continued work ethic throughout his royal service.

He told Premier: “He's incredibly hard working - it's been true all his life. And he has entered into being the king with a clear determination to continue to work hard.

“The theme for him of serving the nation and serving the people is really, really strong. And that he serves under God.”

Bishop Paul recalls a moment before the King's coronation in which he told church leaders: “I don't think I'm really King until I've made my vows before God and before the nation, and that I've been anointed because I can't do this task without God's help.”

Butler says that while the King will likely find it difficult to slow down, he has a wealth of advisors, including Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales to step in and to help him prioritise his essential duties.

“But I wouldn't be at all surprised if he is very clear with them that they are to give very thorough reports back of who they've seen and how it went.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his contacts with the King will continue.