Buckingham Palace confirmed the King's recovery had reached a notably positive stage last year

A 104-year-old Second World War veteran told King Charles he is "always concerned" about the monarch's health during a touching reunion on the Isle of Man.

James Fenton, one of the last surviving Burma Star recipients, offered the King some sage advice on getting older: "You just have to keep going."

The 77-year-old monarch responded with characteristic wit: "It is terrible because bits keep dropping off!"

When Mr Fenton enquired after his wellbeing, Charles quipped: "Not too bad, thank you very much, but I don't know how you do it. It's bad enough at my age."

The pair first met during the VJ Day 80th-anniversary commemorations in London last year, when Mr Fenton urged the King to visit his island home.

Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024 and has continued receiving treatment since then. Late last year, he shared that his treatments would be reduced in 2026.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King's recovery had reached a notably positive stage, with a spokesman saying: "His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment, and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase."

The Isle of Man visit came just days after a significant family reunion. Prince Harry brought his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, back to Britain for the first time since 2022.

It marked the first occasion in four years that Charles had seen his California-based grandchildren.

Their heartwarming exchange took place at Heroes On The Water, a charity supporting military veterans and emergency service personnel through kayak angling and outdoor activities, based at Port Soderick Beach.

"I wasn't expecting to find you here," Charles remarked warmly as he took Mr Fenton's hand and sat down beside him.

"I've been waiting for this for quite some time," the veteran replied. "I hope you can believe just how delighted I am."

The King responded: "It's a very special moment for me. You make us very proud."

Wednesday's trip marked Charles's first visit to the Crown dependency since becoming Lord of Mann following his coronation.

Mr Fenton served as a bombardier with the 178th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, during the Burma Campaign against Japanese forces.

Charles also addressed Tynwald, the world's oldest Parliament in continuous operation, speaking some words in the ancient Manx language.

"I very much hope I have not succeeded at this point in massacring this wonderful celebration of your language," he joked to the assembly.

The monarch enjoyed a ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, the oldest horse-drawn passenger service still operating anywhere in the world, as part of celebrations marking its 150th anniversary.

He unveiled a commemorative plaque for the occasion before climbing aboard one of the beautifully restored trams.

His packed schedule also included a garden party at Government House, where he met local farmers and cultural representatives, and a walkabout along Douglas Promenade greeting well-wishers.