On doctor’s advice, The Prince of Wales will be taking three days off at the beginning of next week.

The Prince has been suffering from a persistent chest infection for over a month and doctors have advised him to find a number of consecutive days in which to have a complete rest.

It is not possible for His Royal Highness to rest this week due to a wide range of long-standing important commitments. These include taking part in The Queen’s Birthday Parade, hosting two military receptions, visiting the Royal Cornwall Show and giving a lecture to mark the 25th anniversary of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

The Prince has therefore decided, with regret, to not attend Royal Ascot or the Garter Service and Procession this year. His Royal Highness is intending to return to work on Thursday, when he will be taking part in a series of meetings and official engagements.