King Charles III Celebrates 74th Birthday as Monarch

King Charles III marked his 74th birthday today, Monday, November 14, as he commemorated his first birthday as the reigning monarch.

The King is set to observe the occasion privately at Clarence House, where he resides alongside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.

In recognition of this significant milestone, Buckingham Palace issued an official statement via the Royal Family's Twitter account.

The message featured a photo of a smiling King Charles, extending warm birthday wishes to His Majesty on his special day.

Following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8th, King Charles III ascended to the throne after holding the title of the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales in British history.

To honor the King's birthday, a performance of “Happy Birthday” by the Band of the Household Cavalry will take place during the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Gun salutes will be fired across the capital for the first time in celebration, with the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery delivering 41 volleys at London's Green Park at midday.

Subsequently, the Band of the Scots Guards will also perform “Happy Birthday,” followed by a 62-gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, the King's eldest son and daughter-in-law, expressed their heartfelt tribute to King Charles III on his special day.

Taking to their official Twitter page, the couple shared a photo of the monarch from a recent engagement, accompanied by a touching caption conveying warm birthday wishes to His Majesty.

The photo was captured during Charles and Queen Consort Camilla's visit to Morrison Supermarket Headquarters in Bradford, where the King was officially appointed as the Ranger of Windsor Great Park.

Assuming the role 70 years after his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, King Charles III now oversees the stewardship of Windsor Great Park, one of the country's oldest landed estates.

Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, held the position of Ranger for nearly 70 years until his passing in 2021.

During his tenure, Prince Philip played an active role in various park developments, including reintroducing red deer into the Deer Park and overseeing the establishment of the Savile Garden Visitor Centre and Virginia Water Pavilion.

Windsor Great Park, a popular destination attracting over 5 million visitors annually, boasts stunning horticultural displays, historic landmarks, wildlife, and deer.

Managed by the Crown Estate, the Windsor Estate spans approximately 15,800 acres, encompassing Windsor Great Park, Home Park, Swinley Forest, Savile and Valley Gardens, and the renowned Long Walk.

The Great Park's collection of veteran oak and beech trees, along with the planting of Rangers Avenue in honor of Prince Philip, highlight its rich heritage and natural beauty.

In adherence to a longstanding royal tradition dating back to the 18th century, King Charles III's official birthday typically occurs in the summer months.

While his birthday celebrations may not feature extravagant festivities, the King, like his predecessors, will observe a second birthday in the summer.

This practice, initiated by King George II in 1748, allows for a public celebration during the warmer season.

Queen Elizabeth II also observed dual birthdays, with an official celebration in June and her actual birthday on April 21st.

As King Charles III aims to streamline the monarchy's expenses, his upcoming birthday events are anticipated to reflect a more modest approach.