William presented an MBE to the England women’s football side’s record goalscorer, retired professional Ellen Convery – formerly White. The ex-England footballer said she sent her “best wishes” to the King when speaking with the Prince of Wales today.

She told the PA news agency: “I sent my best wishes to the King. I just think, you know, it must be a difficult time for the family. He was really lovely.”

Convery added: “It was a really nice conversation. I’ve met him a couple of times, he definitely puts you at ease.”

Later, William thanked another recipient, David Shreeve, who co-founded the Conservation Foundation charity with TV botanist David Bellamy, for his well wishes for the King and the Princess of Wales.

Shreeve was made an MBE for services to the environment. He said he spoke with the Prince of Wales about a tree he planted on the castle grounds more than 40 years ago, which kickstarted his environmental work.

He told PA: “I did say to him at the end that I wished both his wife and his dad good luck. He said he appreciated it.”