KING Charles III has written a touching reply to the children of Lumphinnans Primary School to thank them for their "enormously comforting" letters.

Pupils had written to the monarch to express their condolences after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and to congratulate him on ascending to the throne.

They also said they were pleased he was campaigning against climate change and asked him to "please take care of the dogs, the Royal family and our country".

Teacher Laurie Main told the Times: "My class of P4/5 pupils at Lumphinnans Primary School were learning to write formal letters last term.

"They were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Queen and used this as a learning context for their letter writing.

"They wrote to HRH King Charles offering their commiserations on the death of his mother and congratulating him on becoming King.

"They were ecstatic to have received a reply from the King himself in the post."

In one of the letters, Millie wrote: "I'm writing to say I'm sorry about the loss of your mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

"I was very sad when I heard the announcement on the television.

"She was a lovely lady and I'm so pleased that she was our Queen.

"I also wanted to say congratulations on becoming our new monarch.

"I hope you make good decisions for our country like your mother did."

In his reply, which included a photo of Charles as a young boy with his mother, the king told the children: "It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother.

"Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow."