In pictures: 15 moments King Charles proved he's a cool monarch as he celebrates 77th birthday
Wearing the crown, cool, calm and collected!
Happy birthday King Charles! To celebrate His Majesty’s 77th birthday we are showing off some of his coolest moments caught on camera.
Keep scrolling to see some of our monarch’s best moments in snaps…
As King Charles celebrates his birthday: His Majesty’s coolest moments
Delving into old snaps of the king means discovering a string of looks, outfits and styles that are sometimes sifted to the bottom of the stack.
Especially this dashing phase for the then-Prince of Wales.
Once upon a time, Charles sported a thick beard – quite similar to Prince William’s recent rugged facial hair.
In this photo taken in 1976, Charles proved he could do it all, whilst serving in the Royal Navy and serving a very masculine look.
All whilst posing for a photo, of course.
Just because he is royalty, this doesn’t mean Charles has been shy of a little fun.
King Charles hasn’t been shy of adventure
In fact, the monarch was said to be a huge fan of water sports and was an avid wind surfer through the 70s. He has been photographed several times in a variety of locations from Cowes on the Isle of Wight to Deauville, France, enjoying the activity and rocking swimming trunks.
There is another sport adored by the royals that has been a firm favourite of the former Prince of Wales.
You guessed it – polo!
King Charles played his first polo match at 15, following the tradition that began with his great-grandfather George V. It was then, an ever-growing passion was born.
Charles played with the University of Cambridge team during his time studying there and later in the team for the Royal Navy.
His professional days saw him play for two teams, Les Diables Bleus and Maple Leaf.
Charles’ passion for polo
Throughout his career of 40 years, Charles scooped up a number of trophies, including the Queen’s Cup in 1986. He was also a finalist for the Gold Cup in 1978.
During this time, Charles was photographed countless times and was often captured looking very cool, yet with his competitive streak more than apparent.
Oh, and what’s cooler than being met with the honoured guest at the match, the queen, his mother, on the polo field! How sweet!
Charles has always been known for his dapper sense of style. Whether at home or travelling abroad, the king has always ensured he looks ever so smart whilst sporting slick suits and even sometimes shades.
Cool and calm whilst representing the crown!
This snap shows Charles looking particularly effortless in a set of sunglasses whilst on the British Royal Tour of Australia, in 1994.
It is clear that Charles has never shied away from an activity. In fact, he was once very keen on skiing and along with William and Harry, enjoyed a number of skiing holidays.
Charles is smooth on the slopes
And what’s (literally) cooler than the then-future king of England, sliding down a slope at a Swiss resort, rocking shades, followed by a prince?
Not much, in our opinion.
And if you think Charles has done nothing but sport glad rags and enjoy activities, then think again. Although, this snap showing Charles putting his archery prowess on full display at the Aston Martin Mayflower Challenge in 1999 says otherwise.
He can do it all!
The king has flown out to support troops many times over the years and although he didn’t serve in the army as a soldier, he has held numerous honorary roles and high ranks within the army.
His years of devoted service were spent in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and the royal has had a lot of opportunities to experience the work of the forces through the decades.
Like in this snap of the king when he visited the Kosovo capital of Pristina in September 1999 and had the chance to bond with soldiers.
There, the then-prince met British troops serving with the Nato Peacekeeping Force in the war-torn Serbian province.
As you can see, the king has definitely served a very James Bond vibe over the years – flaunting jaw-dropping wealth, travelling, competing, enjoying the finer things in life, donning fancy suits and brushing shoulders with very powerful people.
The king has James Bond energy
Not to mention, Charles is also said to be fond of a daily martini!
On a number of occasions, Charles has really given ultimate 007 energy whilst cruising in his car.
Like in this snap, taken in 2003, when he and Camilla rocked up to a polo match in Circencester in his famous Aston Martin. Very smooth.
On another occasion, in 2008, Charles arrived at the Cartier Tent at the Guards Polo Club wearing a cream suit and shades whilst cooly waving from behind the wheel of his swanky sports car. Cue the James Bond theme song!
As previously mentioned, the king loves to indulge in a daily martini, made up of half gin and half dry vermouth. Although, the king does reportedly prefer his beverage stirred, not shaken.
‘Stirred, not shaken’ for His Majesty
Earlier this year, Charles proved he is the coolest host to have when he and Camilla welcomed the Italian Ambassador Inigo Lambertini to the UK, at a dinner in celebration of Slow Food, held at Highgrove House.
There, he served up a refreshing beverage himself, whilst donning a tuxedo and being guided under the watchful eyes of none other than actor Stanley Tucci and world renowned head barman at Dukes, London, Alessandro Palazzi.
He sure was in good company!
Undoubtedly though, one of the coolest thing about King Charles has to be his sense of humour and willingness to muck in!
As wonderfully proven by this photograph of the king, taken in April 2025, as he attended a reception to recognise those involved in community music across the UK, held at Windsor Castle.
He swapped the cello for a carrot…
Despite being in the company of 350 guests, His Majesty wasn’t afraid to get involved and had a go at playing a carrot recorder with the London Vegetable Orchestra!
Have a wonderful day, Your Majesty!
Read more: King Charles had ‘lovely’ letter hand-delivered to Sharon Osbourne following Ozzy’s death
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