Beaming King Charles's hilarious four-word remark at finally being allowed back to work

By Victoria Chessum, Assistant News Editor

King Charles quipped he was happy to be "out of his cage" (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster/DE/PA)

King Charles's enthusiasm to be back mingling with the public was laid bare as the smiling monarch greeted crowds. As he stepped out of the State Bentley he instantly said: "Thank you so much, I do apologise by taking you by surprise.

"This opportunity appeared and allowed me out of my cage and wanted to come and have a look". Today, the King met staff and families of the 3 Royal School of Military Engineering (3RSME), in Minley, Wiltshire, the training base for the Army’s Royal Engineers.

He took on the role of Colonel-in-Chief in March last year which used to be held by Queen Elizabeth II. The King received a red carpet treatment and Quarter guard salute after stepping out of the State Bentley.

Lt Col Robert Grant said afterwards: "We only had, if you take into account the Bank Holiday, only seven or eight days to pull it all together but when you get that call is it possible to put a visit for His Majesty there is only one answer."

King Charles appeared elated to be out in the bright sunshine, in one of his many first public appearances back at work after stepping back for a period of time. The monarch has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

His busier schedule, said to be caused by the 75-year-old's determination to do as much as possible, was blamed as a reason why he could not meet with his youngest son, Prince Harry, this week.

Harry flew in from California on Tuesday, May 7 for a brief return to his homeland to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. His new UK spokesman confirmed that he was understanding of his father's priorities and "hoped to see him soon".

The Duke of Sussex's return flight has not been publicised, so it is unknown if the pair will privately meet today before a scheduled flight takes him back to the US.

As the King chatted with trainees, trainers and their families on a patio at the Officer's Mess in today's visit, he came across some excited fans, including one heavily pregnant wife who "couldn't miss it."

Speaking to Sophie Mairs, 37, who is six weeks from her due date, the King joked: "Are you sure you should be here today?" Sophie, whose husband WO2 Barry Mairs, 38, is in the engineers, said afterwards: "I said I couldn't miss it.

"It's not every day the King comes to where your husband works."

Outside Louis Bacon, aged six, handed the King a hand-drawn portrait of himself. Louis said: "I wanted to make something special." Six-year-old Lucas Stewart handed the King some honey made on the barracks, with His Majesty adding: "Oh, just what I need."