An 11-year-old boy cancer patient from Southampton was gifted three books and a Buckingham Palace gold chocolate coin by the King and Queen during a royal visit.

Ellis and his mother Carly Edwards greeted Charles and Camilla as the couple visited the University College Hospital (UCH) Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

The King spoke of his “shock” at being diagnosed with cancer as he returned to public-facing duties to meet fellow patients.

Daily Echo: Ellis Edwards and his mother Carly Edwards with the QueenEllis Edwards and his mother Carly Edwards with the Queen (Image: PA)

The 11-year-old boy, who is receiving radiotherapy at the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, was given Swallows And Amazons by Arthur Ransome, The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono and My Family And Other Animals by Gerald Durrell as well as the gold chocolate coin.

He told the PA news agency: “I was telling her (the Queen) about my treatment and my trip to Leicester Square, going to Hamleys and the cinemas.

“It was very exciting meeting them.”

His mother Ms Edwards said: “It’s a really nice distraction this. I’m really proud of him (Ellis), he’s really brave and a superstar so it’s great he can do something nice.

“He deserves it.”

Royal fan John Loughrey, 69, from London, received a wave from the King and gave the Queen a bunch of tulips and roses, and told the “you have been a foundation for the King”.

Mr Loughrey said Charles has given him the “inspiration” to get screened for cancer.

He told PA: “The King and Queen have done impeccable work … I’ve got an appointment myself at St George’s Hospital to get a mole checked.

“The King has given me inspiration to do that.”

Mr Loughrey, whose wife Marian Crean died from skin cancer at the age of 49 in 2003, said Charles’s announcement of his diagnosis had made him “feel like he is not alone”.

He added: “My late partner had cancer, I know exactly how the King is feeling… he’s sharing with me and everyone else affected by cancer that you’re not alone.”