A royal commentator has said that King Charles will now have “a question mark over his reign.”

It comes after the news broke last week that The King has been diagnosed with cancer.

The King released a heartfelt message of thanks to the public for all the support he received following his diagnosis and has since been spotted walking around Sandringham Palace grounds.

Speaking on GB News former BBC journalist Tom Bower explained: “I fear that Charles when he came to the throne, was already dubbed the caretaker King because he’s 75 now and there’s a limit on how long he could reign, and I fear that he is now somewhat wounded.

“I think the public wish him well.

“The point is that when you face such a challenge as cancer, your psychology changes and I think he’ll always be now seen as a King with a question mark over how long he can reign.

“However, I think he’s got a very loyal son in William who will not be pushing his father to step aside. I think he would like to be the father of three children for a lot longer.”

The royal expert also added that Queen Camilla has “stepped up” to help her husband.

He explained: “I’m a great critic of Camilla, there’s no doubt that ever since she has become Queen and in the last weeks, knowing that King Charles wasn’t well, she has worked very hard.

“It hasn’t been easy for her because she does tire easily and hates long-distance travel with jet lag and things. So we should feel fortunate because he relies on her.”

When asked if he thinks that the King is ever likely to abdicate the throne, Bower said: “He won’t abdicate. And it wouldn’t be in the interests of the monarchy or of Britain for him to abdicate.

“There’s no reason for it. God, we have the most amazing progress in cancer treatment now.

“Let’s be optimistic and hope that by the summer this is all over and he and the Princess of Wales, Kate, are back working, serving the country, and keep putting the best foot forward for Britain.

“I think that’s what we should all hope for.”

Charles is now being treated as an outpatient as he carries on working from the peace of Sandringham Estate.

In the statement from Buckingham Palace, it said: “His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”