The Oscar nominated actor told reporters invited to the royal ceremony his oncologist is "incredibly optimistic" just weeks after Hurt revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The 75 year old, who was accompanied to the castle by his fourth wife Anwen Rees-Myers, said, "I'm half-way through my chemotherapy and I've got a whole load of tests next week. I'm not feeling any of the side effects you're suppose to feel, or at least you can feel, as everybody's different I'm told.

"It's extraordinary, I haven't lost weight or anything and I'm feeling good... My oncologist is extremely optimistic, as indeed I am, so everything is going really well."