King Charles celebrates his 76th birthday in style
It’s King Charles’ birthday and Princess Catherine and Prince William took the opportunity to give him a gentle ribbing.
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It seems even the royals observe the time honoured tradition of poking fun at their loved ones on their birthday with Princess Catherine and Prince William sharing a lighthearted public birthday greeting to King Charles.
The Prince and Princess of Wales chose a photo from the King’s recent tour of Samoa which showed the monarch resplendent in a flower lei, completely the look with a pair of aviator sunglasses to wish him a happy 76th.
“Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty the King!” the duo cheekily quipped in a post to their official Instagram stories.
The royal family also marked the occasion on Thursday local time by posting a new portrait of the King who looked the picture of health in a snazzy blue suit.
The King spent his big day visiting the Coronation Food Project which rescues surplus food and re-purposes it into delicious meals which are then enjoyed by community organisations.
His wife, Queen Camilla, 77, did not join him at the Coronation Food Hub in Deptford as she was recovering from a chest infection that prevented her from attending last weekend’s Remembrance events for Britain’s war dead.
Meanwhile, military units across Great Britain honoured the King with 21 gun salutes.
It comes after a torrid year in which both he and his daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, have battled cancer.
William has described the last 12 months as a “brutal” year because of the health issues affecting his wife and father that forced both to step back from royal duties.
The king’s cancer diagnosis was announced in February but two and a half months at the end of April he was back at work.
“The problem is trying to stop him,” Camilla has said several times since.
Last month, the couple visited Australia then Samoa for a Commonwealth heads of government meeting. Charles paused his cancer treatment during the trip.
According to those close to him, Charles returned “invigorated” from the 11-day trip, while one palace official said the king intended to return to a “normal” schedule of overseas trips next year.
Meanwhile, William showed his adventurous side when he boarded a motorbike during a visit to a state-of-the art Virtual Production Studio in Northern Ireland.
The 42-year-old heir to the throne also took a turn behind the camera as he asked his hosts at Ulster University all about Northern Ireland’s world-leading creative sector.
STAR’S AWKWARD MOMENT WITH CHARLES
Denzel Washington had a bit of a misstep during his meeting with King Charles III on the eve of the monarch’s birthday at the Gladiator II premiere in London on Wednesday.
The 69-year-old Equalizer 3 star attended the event alongside co-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, director Sir Ridley Scott, and, of course, King Charles himself.
As is customary at royal premieres, the film’s cast members lined up on the red carpet to greet the monarch before heading into the theatre
When it was Washington’s turn to meet King Charles, the 75-year-old sovereign, following conversations with Scott, 86, and Mescal, 28, the Training Day actor appeared a bit flustered. He awkwardly admitted to the king that he wasn’t sure how to properly greet him.
The King appeared to then initiate a handshake with the star, much to Washington’s relief.
“I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not,” Washington told the King with a grin as they shook hands.
Charles then asked Washington about his character in “Gladiator II,” the villainous Macrinus.
“I’m, just an awful … I’m a lovely man you’ll see,” Washington said, sarcastically. “I’m a lovely chap.”
King Charles then told Washington, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic.”
Washington then responded, “Thank you, thank you.”
KATE DROPS SURPRISE CHRISTMAS VIDEO
The Princess of Wales has posted a surprise new video showing the invitations for her fourth annual carol service, “fresh off the press.”
“Something exciting is coming…,” Princess Kate’s team wrote on X, adding emojis of a Christmas tree and music note.
“The invitations are fresh off the press for this year’s Together At Christmas Carol Service, which will be returning to Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December,” the caption continued. “We can’t wait for you to join us too! Tune in on @ITV and @ITVX on Christmas Eve.”
Something exciting is coming... 🎄🎵
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 13, 2024
The invitations are fresh off the press for this year's Together At Christmas Carol Service, which will be returning to Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December.
We can't wait for you to join us too! Tune in on @ITV and @ITVX on Christmas Eve. pic.twitter.com/knmlyN6PZt
The video comes as Princess Catherine announced she will host her annual Christmas carol concert next month as she continues her gradual return to public duties after completing her treatment for cancer.
In a poignant touch in light of Prince William’s description of 2024 as a “brutal” year, the Together At Christmas Service Carol Service will reflect on love and empathy.
Kensington Palace said: “This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.
“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.”
The Palace added: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.”
“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.”
Despite her health struggles, the much-loved royal was determined that the annual televised festive event at Westminster Abbey on December 6, which will be broadcast on Christmas Eve, would go ahead.
The event has become a popular highlight of the royal calendar and this year will mark the fourth time that Princess Catherine has hosted the show.
In a secret surprise that stunned royal fans, she memorably played the piano during her first concert.
Nearly 2000 guests will be in attendance including members of the royal family as well as the Middleton clan.
Last year, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — in his first appearance at the event — attended, along with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine’s parents and siblings, and numerous other members of the royal family.
The 2024 service will combine “traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none”.
The event will feature performances by the Westminster Abbey choir, singers Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, and Gregory Porter, and the decorations inside the Abbey will be inspired by nature.
It comes after Princess Catherine attended her first major engagements in months, thrilling royal fans with her appearances at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.
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