King Charles was seen playing a recorder made from a carrot during an engagement at Windsor Castle on Thursday. The monarch delighted guests by hosting a reception celebrating community music across the UK.

The 76-year-old, who recently returned to official duties after a brief period in hospital due to side effects from his cancer treatment, was described as being "in great spirits" by attendees. The London Vegetable Orchestra, who are the UK's only ensemble to use instruments made of local vegetables, performed for His Majesty in St George's Hall.

In the presence of 350 guests, the King played a rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Following the reception, April Koyejo-Audiger - a soprano who has performed with the Royal Opera - said the King joked to her in passing that "he hopes they eat the carrots because he wouldn’t want any food to go to waste".

During the evening, the King also met guests in the castle’s Waterloo Chamber to watch performances by the Royal College of Music, the Sing for Freedom choir and British saxophonist YolanDa Brown. Speaking after the evening, YolanDa Brown revealed that the King told her he "felt the joy of the performance".

Alan Livingstone, a DJ from a radio station in Manchester called All FM, said: "[King Charles] was in great spirits, jolly and laughing and joking. That cheeky smile when you hold his hand. He is so genuine."

Speaking of the evening, he added: "I was speaking with him about how I only started DJing late in life and he said it is wonderful and how great it is that I enjoy it."

Royal fans were left in stitches, with one writing on X: "That is literally the best thing he has done in his whole life."

A second added: "I did not have this on my bingo card."

A third chimed in: "Love these pics."

After experiencing temporary side effects from cancer treatment last week, he was forced to cancel a string of engagements - including a visit to Birmingham.

The King and Queen will embark on a historic trip to Italy next week, which is scheduled for April 7-10.

Speaking about the visit next week, veteran royal commentator Phil Dampier said: "Charles will be determined to go to Italy. It would have to take a severe turn for the worse in his health for him not to go. I'm sure that the doctors will be urging him to rest and build up reserves of energy in anticipation of the trip."