King Charles has impressed royal fans by praising the monarch’s appearance after an Easter service.

The king led the royal family during Easter Sunday services in Windsor, his first official public appearance since his cancer diagnosis.

Outside St George’s Church, well-wishers eagerly awaited the king’s arrival and were pleasantly surprised when he made an unexpected move around to greet the public.

As the monarch shook hands with royal fans, one man said: “Keep strong, Your Majesty. Stay strong and never give in.”

“I must obey my instructions,” joked the king.

People from all over the world waited to meet the king, including visitors from New Zealand and the United States.

The Queen had another quip for the public after being urged to recover as soon as possible.

He replied wittily: “I’m trying my best.”

This is the king’s first official public event since he announced he had cancer on February 5.

A royal source said the king’s presence was “a sign that things are moving in the right direction”.

During his inspection, the king told the crowd standing in the castle: “You are very brave to stand here in the cold.”

American opera singer Alessa Kilgore, who attended the Easter service, said Charles’ presence was “very important”.

She said: “It shows he’s doing well and his health is definitely improving so it’s great to see that.

“I would also like to thank him for attending today’s funeral because I know it must have been a large turnout, but he showed his commitment to people in this country and around the world.”

“I wasn’t sure I would be able to see him that close today, but I did,” she said.