In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

King Charles health update issued as aides reveal ‘great optimism’ (Image: Getty)

The announcement that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer came just 16 months into his reign, causing him to step back from royal duties – but a new update appears to reveal “optimism” about his current condition.

Buckingham Palace has never revealed the type of cancer affecting the 75-year-old monarch, but confirmed it is not prostate cancer.

The condition came to light in February, following his treatment at the London Clinic for a benign enlarged prostate.

At the time, the Palace shared that the King remained “wholly positive about his treatment”.

However, it was revealed he would need to temporarily step back from some royal engagements while he underwent treatment.

The King announced his cancer diagnosis earlier this year (Image: Getty)

Although he is “not yet out of the woods”, those close to him are reportedly filled with “great optimism” as his treatment has progressed “better than anyone would have thought”, it is claimed.

In October, Camilla and Charles are scheduled to carry out engagements in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, before heading to Samoa for a Commonwealth summit.

But the couple will not visit New Zealand. A statement issued by Buckingham Palace read: “In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only,” the Palace said in a statement.