King Charles reveals his own exercise regime as he hosts reception for medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Surrounded by Olympians who are no strangers to grueling training sessions, King Charles might have been reluctant to reveal his own training regimen.

But a week before his 76th birthday, he happily revealed his fitness secrets: an 11-minute workout.

The King told the Team GB women’s athletics team that he ‘trains twice a day’, and revealed to sprinter Desiree Henry that he ‘squats and does the pull-up bar’.

It is understood that Charles, who hosted a reception for Olympic and Paralympic medalists at Buckingham Palace yesterday, followed the same Canadian Air Force exercise regime as his late father.

Known as the 5BX, it lasts just 11 minutes. His Majesty was in good spirits at the reception, where he was joined by Princess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester, as Queen Camilla rested at home with a respiratory infection.

Guests were served champagne and canapes, but the monarch did not touch a drop.

The King also revealed he was looking forward to seeing Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, compete on Dancing On Ice next year.

He also inspected a seeing-eye dog and joked that he hoped the animal hadn’t “destroyed too much furniture.”

Queen Camilla was due to attend the engagement but is currently taking time off as she recovers from a respiratory infection.

Athletes who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Games were invited to the special event.

And it looked like everyone was having a good time, with photos showing the royals smiling as they chatted with the athletes.

The king looked dapper in a navy blue pinstripe suit, single-breasted blazer, white shirt and light purple tie. He also pinned a poppy to his lapel.

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal looked stylish in a burgundy coat dress, with a cinched waist, which felt just below her knees.

She wore a velvet scarf, black gloves and black pumps with low heels. She also wore a poppy pinned to her dress.

The reception wasn’t the only engagement Camilla had to avoid due to her current respiratory infection.

A few days ago it was announced that Her Majesty had to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance, as well as the reception, due to illness.

It is understood the 77-year-old is recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.

Camilla not attending the Field of Remembrance event was seen as a sign of how bad she feels, as the engagement is a duty she undertakes with utmost zeal, as the daughter of decorated war hero Major Bruce Shand, who served two military crosses earned in World War II. World War because of his courage.

Instead, the Duchess of Gloucester stepped in to take her place earlier today.

An update issued by the Palace yesterday revealed that the Queen is expected to return to work next week.

Camilla will host a reception at Clarence House for authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize, after taking some time off from the weather.

Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday that the queen, who just wrapped up a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles, is canceling her upcoming engagements due to a respiratory infection.

However, the noted bookworm and literature lover will return to her duties hosting the reception next Tuesday – after news of her condition sparked concern among royal fans.

The update comes after a year of health problems for the royal family, with both the King and Princess of Wales diagnosed with cancer.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: ‘Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a respiratory infection for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

‘It is with great regret that Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her commitments for this week, but she very much hopes that she will recover in time to attend this weekend’s commemorative events as normal.

“She apologizes to anyone who may experience any inconvenience or disappointment as a result.”

Camilla also hopes she will feel well enough to attend this weekend’s commemorative events, including the ceremony at the Cenotaph on Sunday.