King Charles and Queen Camilla embarked on a celebratory visit to a food distribution hub in Oxfordshire, marking the initial event for the King’s 75th birthday.
Unfazed by the rain, the royal couple greeted volunteers with warm smiles on this special occasion.
The primary focus of the engagement was the official launch of the Coronation Food Project, a noble initiative aiming to address the disparity between food waste and food scarcity.
During the visit, the royal pair engaged with staff and volunteers, delving into discussions on innovative approaches to utilizing food waste for social welfare.
King Charles humorously remarked to the workers, “I hope you’ve had a lunch break!”
Gun Salute in Honor of King Charles’s Birthday
Simultaneously, a 41-gun salute resonated through London’s Green Park to commemorate King Charles’s 75th birthday.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, following a tradition dating back to the 15th century, fired the salute at midday.
This included 41 guns for the Royal Salute from a London saluting station and an additional 21 from the City of London, given the location in a Royal Park.
Birth of King Charles: A Look Back at History
Reflecting on history, King Charles’s birth, described as that of a “really splendid baby,” unfolded 75 years ago in the palace he now calls home.
The then-Princess Elizabeth underwent a challenging 30 hours of labor, culminating in a Caesarian in the palace’s Belgian Suite.
Amid cheers from the crowd, Prince Philip celebrated the birth, and the Queen remarked on Charles’s “interesting pair of hands for a baby.”
Fascinating Facts About King Charles
To commemorate the King’s 75th birthday, an intriguing list of 75 facts has been compiled.
From his first word being ‘Nanna’ to traveling with a bag of his own blood, these tidbits offer a glimpse into the life of the monarch.
Notably, the King prefers Darjeeling tea and refrains from using a mobile phone.
Royal Editor’s Recollection: King Charles’s Humorous Moment
Rebecca English, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor, shared a lighthearted moment in a TikTok video, recalling the time King Charles playfully recreated a dance from The Full Monty.
Emphasizing the King’s willingness to embrace humor and self-mockery, English praised his ability to appreciate such moments.
Historical Headlines: “Prince for Elizabeth”
When King Charles was born 75 years ago, the Daily Mail featured the news with the understated headline “Prince for Elizabeth.”
Palace insiders shared insights into the birth of Charles Philip Arthur George, emphasizing his status as a “lovely boy” and a “really splendid baby.”
Global Well-Wishes for King Charles
International well-wishes poured in for King Charles, with Norway’s Royal Family and public figures like Sarah Ferguson, Keir Starmer, and Rishi Sunak extending their greetings.
The Royal Family of Norway conveyed birthday wishes on Instagram, sharing a photo from Charles’s 2012 visit to the country.
Tributes and Birthday Messages Continue
Numerous figures, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, Keir Starmer, and Rishi Sunak, conveyed birthday wishes to King Charles.
A video tribute was also posted on the Royal Family’s official account, featuring images from every year of the monarch’s life.
Special Birthday Gestures: BT Tower Illumination and Ascot Racecourse
In celebration, the BT Tower in London illuminated a special message, “Happy 75th birthday, your Majesty.”
Ascot Racecourse honored the King by renaming one of its races, the King’s Stand Stakes, in recognition of his 75th birthday.
King Charles’s Birthday Celebrations: The Day’s Agenda
On his 75th birthday, King Charles engaged in a busy schedule.
Apart from launching the Coronation Food Project, he participated in a 62-gun salute in London and hosted a Buckingham Palace reception honoring the contributions of nurses and midwives as part of NHS 75 celebrations.
Glimpse into Personal Celebrations: Highgrove House and More
Personal celebrations included a gathering at Highgrove House, where the King cut a birthday cake amid a festive atmosphere.
Videos from the event captured the King’s “mock-horror eye-roll” during the rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Commemorative Coin and Special Items: Highgrove House Shop
To mark the occasion, a commemorative £5 coin celebrating King Charles’s love of nature was issued by the Royal Mint.
Additionally, the Highgrove House shop offered Royal hampers and other items, including Christmas pudding, mince pies, and organic garden botanical gin.
Philanthropic Birthday: The Coronation Food Project Launch
In a philanthropic gesture, King Charles marked his birthday by launching The Coronation Food Project, an initiative to combat food waste and poverty.
Working alongside Baroness Louise Casey, the project aims to reduce surplus food waste while supporting those affected by the cost of living crisis.
A Journey Through History: Iconic Photos of King Charles
Iconic photos capturing King Charles’s life journey were revisited, including moments of adventure negotiating a narrow bridge, attempting breakdancing, and meeting the Spice Girls at the Royal Gala in 1997.
Historical Reflections: Charles’s Childhood Photo Album
A nostalgic look back at Charles’s childhood photo album showcased endearing moments with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and significant milestones like the Prince’s first day at Gordonstoun public school.
Global Recognition: Norway’s Royal Family and Dumfries House Celebration
Norway’s Royal Family extended birthday wishes to King Charles on Instagram, sharing a photo from his 2012 visit.
Meanwhile, Dumfries House in Scotland celebrated the occasion, with singer Leee John joining the festivities.
Greetings from Diverse Personalities: Jay Blades and Prince Harry’s Message
Jay Blades, from The Repair Shop, extended well wishes to King Charles, expressing joy and honor at being invited to the birthday party.
However, Prince Harry and his family, based in California, opted for a phone call to convey birthday wishes.
Historical Overview: Charles’s Education and Early Life Outside the Palace
The live blog delved into Charles’s early life, emphasizing his education at Hill House School and his departure to experience life beyond the palace.
Charles’s pursuit of a history degree at the University of Cambridge and subsequent service in the Royal Navy were highlighted.
Monarchy’s Relevance: Charles’s Initiatives and Challenges
In a bid to demonstrate the monarchy’s relevance, King Charles embarked on various initiatives, including overseas visits, acknowledging historical ties to slavery, and expressing regret for past injustices.
However, challenges were noted, with calls for a clearer vision for the monarchy’s future.
Why Two Birthdays for King Charles? Weather and Tradition
The practice of celebrating King Charles’s official birthday in the summer months was explained as a pragmatic choice based on the Trooping the Colour ceremony, traditionally associated with sunnier weather.
Busy Day Ahead: King Charles’s 75th Birthday Celebrations
The blog concluded with a preview of King Charles’s busy schedule on his 75th birthday.
From launching the Coronation Food Project to hosting a Buckingham Palace reception, the King remained actively engaged in various events and celebrations throughout the day.