Happy birthday to King Charles III who is celebrating his 74th birthday today, a super special milestone - as it’s also his first birthday as a King.
Born as Charles Philip Arthur George, he is the longest serving heir to the throne, who only became monarch at the age of 73 on 8 September, after his mother Elizabeth II passed away.
Although Charles is expected to mark his 74th privately away from the public eye with his wife Queen Consort Camilla, it didn’t stop members of the royal family from sharing tributes to the King on social media in honour of his special day.
Prince William and Princess Catherine have sent a sweet message to Charles on Twitter and Instagram. The couple shared a photo of the monarch smiling alongside a caption which said: “Wishing a very happy birthday to His Majesty The King!”
The Royal Family’s official Twitter account has also wished Charles a happy birthday. It shared a photo of Charles accompanied by the caption: “Wishing His Majesty The King a very happy birthday today.”
Whilst we’re sure they’ve sent a message privately, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not publicly wished the King a happy birthday (at least not yet).
The Royal Collection Trust has also given Charles a shout out, by posting a sweet flashback snap of Charles with his sister Princess Anne on Twitter. The photo was taken in 1951 and shows a young Charles kissing the hand of his sister, both siblings are in prams.
The Royal Air Force were also among those who celebrated the King on Twitter. The honourable post said: “We would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles III, a Happy Birthday - his first as our Commander-In-Chief. His Majesty’s links with the RAF began in 1971, when he graduated RAF Cranwell. In 2012, His Majesty became Marshal of the RAF.”
To mark the occasion, at 11am, the traditional Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace saw the Band of the Household Cavalry perform a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' dedicated to Charles.
One hour later at noon, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired 41 volleys at London's Green Park, after which the Band of the Scots Guards will also play 'Happy Birthday'. Then at 1pm, the Honourable Artillery Company will fire a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
King Charles’ most recent public appearance saw him lead the nation in paying tribute to fallen members of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Happy birthday, King Charles!
Chloe Bowen is Cosmopolitan UK’s former Features Intern. She holds undergraduate and masters degrees in journalism, and ever since joining the Cosmo team, Chloe writes about everything from sex and dating to mental health, culture, body image and books. In her spare time, she’s likely to be cooking up tasty vegan food, in a yoga class, binge-watching crime documentaries or going on long walks with an over-priced oat milk flat white.
