The King’s cancer treatment will continue into the New Year after almost a year’s battle with the disease, according to reports.

Palace sources said “his treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year”, Sky News reported.

The source added there is a sense of optimism, which can be seen in the King’s desire to keep up a busy schedule of public engagements, including during the festive period.

King Charles’s cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace in February, although it is not clear what type of cancer he is fighting.

It is also unclear what type of treatment he has specifically had, but he has regularly been in London for private appointments.

Charles, 76,  spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – not affecting his prostate – was discovered.

After the major health development was announced on February 6, the King postponed all public-facing engagement for a period.

He spent around three months out of the public eye and returned in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London.

In September, Camilla gave an insight into the King’s treatment when she opened a new cancer centre in Bath, revealing he was “doing very well”.

The monarch paused his treatment in October to embark on a high-profile tour to Australia followed by Samoa in the South Pacific.

It was his most significant overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis and his first to Australia as the nation’s head of state.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…