Smiling Charles pictured in new photo released to celebrate King’s 77th birthday
King Charles marked his 77th birthday with a beaming new portrait at Sandringham, before celebrating with Queen Camilla and celebrities in Wales.
King Charles III was seen beaming in a new photo released to celebrate his 77th birthday today.
Buckingham Palace issued the official birthday portrait of the King, taken by Millie Pilkington, showing the monarch holding a shepherd’s crook and dressed in country attire as he posed for the picture on the Sandringham Estate lawn.
The outdoors picture of Charles was posted on the Royal Family’s official social media accounts to commemorate another year of the monarch’s life.
The caption, which was accompanied by a red balloon emoji, read: “77 today! Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty’s Birthday.”
The royal photographer Millie Pilkington also shared the complete series of images to their Instagram account.
The Prince and Princess of Wales wished the monarch a happy birthday on their official social media accounts.
The images were fearured as part of the cover story for Country Life magazine, showcasing the restoration of his Sandringham gardens, accompanied by the new portrait.
Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King! 🎂 https://t.co/k80wQ7u8Rb
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 14, 2025
King Charles is celebrating his birthday with a visit to South Wales, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
A reception was held at Cyfarthfa Castle near Merthyr Tydfil, which is also marking its 200th anniversary, with guests including celebrities and cultural figures.
Guests included Gavin and Stacey actor Ruth Jones, TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, fashion designer Julien Macdonald, and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation, alongside delegates from royal patronages and local businesses.
The monarch’s birthday was also be marked by traditional gun salutes in London and the ringing of bells at Westminster Abbey.
As gun salutes rang out in London to formally mark the occasion, the monarch inaugurated a train depot in the rain in south Wales.
The King was photographed cutting a castle shaped cake with Queen Camilla for the monarch’s birthday and the 200th anniversary of Cyfarthfa Castle, considered a Welsh historical jewel.
This milestone follows a year of significant events for the King, including a cancer diagnosis and a historic visit to the Vatican.
The monarch celebrates getting one year older on his birth date each year and also follows in the tradition of the late Queen by celebrating his birthday on the second Saturday of June, a tradition dating back to King George II in 1748.
Since then it’s believed each monarch has followed the tradition.
Early last year, the monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, for which he continues regular treatment.
Charles has maintained a relatively busy schedule of royal duties since his return to public life.
The royal has a reputation as something of a workaholic and is said to have been eager to get back to work quickly.
Some habits have altered however: the monarch has reportedly been persuaded to change the habit of a lifetime and now eats lunch.
Camilla, speaking to the BBC while visiting the Vatican, said her husband loved his work and that it “keeps him going”.
“If you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more. That’s the problem,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Smiling Charles pictured in new photo released to celebrate King’s 77th birthday
Harry and Meghan’s terrible Christmas
