The private meeting is normally held in person in Buckingham Palace. (Image: Getty)

       King Charles spoke to Rishi Sunak by phone instead of their regular face-to-face meeting following the monarch's cancer diagnosis.

       The private meeting is normally held in person in Buckingham Palace.

       Downing Street and Buckingham Palace took the unusual step of confirming details about the weekly audience in an attempt to show the King was carrying on with his duties.

       Charles flew to his Norfolk residence Sandringham on Tuesday following a reunion with his son the Duke of Sussex at a meeting in London.

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       Asked if Mr Sunak would travel to Sandringham for his discussion with the King, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We don’t in general and we are not going to get into the habit of commenting on the PM’s conversations with the King."

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       “But we have agreed with the Palace in this specific instance to confirm that they will be speaking on the phone later.”

       The King holds a private weekly audience with the Prime Minister to discuss Government matters.

       Though the King is meant to remain politically neutral on all matters, he is able to “advise and warn” his ministers – including Mr Sunak – when necessary.

       At Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Sunak said: “I know the thoughts of the House and the country are with the King and his family.

       “We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and look forward to him resuming his public-facing duties in due course.”

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       Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also expressed their support for the King.

       Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales resumed public duties following his wife’s surgery and the King’s diagnosis.

       William hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and will attend a gala fundraising dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.

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