King Charles' birthday plans revealed as he steps out in South Wales
This is how Charles is marking his 77th birthday!
Today is King Charles’ birthday. Evidently, all eyes are on him to see how he will mark this special occasion.
Photographs of the preparations for the 77-year-old monarch’s special day have already emerged.
Meanwhile, details surrounding his plans are doing the rounds. Here is everything we know…
King Charles’ birthday in South Wales
The king has already been pictured in South Wales, alongside his wife Queen Camilla, as they visited the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery in South Wales.
King Charles was seen beaming and waving, with an umbrella in hand, ready to brave the blustery weather.
The king wore a charcoal suit, with a lilac tie, whilst Camilla was seen cloaked in a navy coat dress (above).
Charles was also seen wrapped in his signature, long, camel coat, with the umbrella unfolded to protect himself from the rain. Still, with a smile on his face as he greeted children gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
According to reports, the king’s birthday will be celebrated at a reception held at Cyfarthfa Castle.
Guests including Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation are said to be invited.
Representatives from the the king and queen’s patronages are also said to be on the guest list.
This reportedly includes representatives from The King’s Trust, as well as the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
Local businesses will also be at the community reception, according to reports by BBC and ITV.
Cocos Coffee and Candles and Enaid Wellness are amongst the names mentioned.
Andrew Lewis, head teacher at Gwaunfarren Primary School in South Wales, said his pupils were “super excited” to observe the king’s visit, as per BBC.
“We broke the news at the start of the week. It’s a once in a lifetime experience for our children,” he gushed.
The celebrations so far
Gun salutes have been fired at Green Park in London by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company to mark the occasion.
The bells of Westminster Abbey have also been rung (at 1pm) to celebrate the king’s birthday.
A new picture of the king was released earlier today to celebrate his 77th birthday.
This isn’t the first time Charles has welcomed the public to his birthday celebrations on the actual day.
King Charles’ previous birthday celebrations
When King Charles turned 75 in 2023, he welcomed organisations and individuals also turning 75 to Highgrove House for a tea party.
Typically, the king celebrates with family privately, so an invitation like that is very special!
You might be wondering: “How was King Charles’ birth celebrated back in 1948?”
Well, it was a very special day for the royal family to say the least.
The birth of King Charles in 1948
King Charles, who is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and therefore was born the heir apparent, was born at Buckingham Palace at 9.14 pm on November 14, 1948.
He weighed 7lb and 6oz.
A proclamation was posted on the palace railings just before midnight, to share the news.
The proclamation joyously announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth, who was 22 at the time, had safely delivered a son who had been named Charles Philip Arthur George.
BBC announcer Franklin Engleman read this bulletin, to share Charles’ birth with the public: “It has just been announced from Buckingham Palace that her Royal Highness, Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, has safely delivered a Prince at 9:14 pm and that her Royal Highness and her son are both doing well.
“Listeners will wish us to offer their loyal congratulations to Princess Elizabeth and to the Royal family on this happy occasion.”
In Hyde Park, London, several cannon shots were fired to salute the baby prince.
The king amongst longest-lived British monarchs
The bells of Westminster also rang out in celebration, just like they have today.
Although Charles has only been on the throne for three years, he is already in fifth place in the longest-lived British monarchs.
The longest-lived British monarchs thus far have been Elizabeth II, Victoria, George III and Edward VIII (who abdicated in 1936).
Read more: In pictures: 15 moments King Charles proved he’s a cool monarch as he celebrates 77th birthday
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