As do all those diagnosed with cancer, the King knew both his life and that of thehad been left in the care of expert doctors and nurses. tribute in his annual address to the nation and Commonwealth was therefore particularly heartfelt as he lavished praise on the medics to whom we all owe so much.

He acknowledged that the sympathy and encouragement he had received from ordinary people were a great strength. However his ordeal reminds us that illnesses such as cancer are a great leveller and can strike at any of us.

The King’s speech was intended to unite the nation in an era of divisive politics. And Charles was pitch perfect on the terrible Southport stabbings, expressing pride how communities repaired relationships following the riots.

Moving ahead in a positive spirit, ­celebrating the best of us and seeing ­neighbours as friends not enemies, is what Britain needs.

aren’t picture ­postcard scenes of idyllic rural life when too many are accused of breaking the law by still killing foxes with hounds. Disturbing figures from the League Against Cruel Sports reinforce the case for Labour to enact a manifesto promise to ban trail hunting.

Current lawful laying of a scent ­for dogs to follow can be a smokescreen for banned bloodsports. The League’s claims of 186 foxes pursued since August, 220 suspected illegal incidents and 553 cases of hounds chasing pets or other animals paint a grim picture. Banning hunting was popular and closing the loophole would be too.

Britains's most generous Lottery winner still checks the price of socks after giving away three quarters of his £7.6million jackpot. So let’s give a big cheer for Sheffield widower Ray Wragg for keeping his feet on the ground and not letting a huge windfall turn his head.