The King is celebrating his 77th birthday in South Wales today.The King is celebrating his 77th birthday in South Wales today.
King Charles braved treacherous conditions today as he marked his 77th birthday in south Wales. Accompanied by the Queen, Charles celebrated his special day by cutting an intricately decorated cake in the shape of a castle, while visiting a majestic 19th century castle.
Joined in the castle by local celebrities, including Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, representatives from the King and Queen’s patronages and local businesses, guests tucked into slices of the victoria sponge for a special reception.
The monarch’s birthday wasn’t the only cause for celebration, as Cyfartha Castle is also marking 200 years since it was built. Guests sung Happy Birthday, using “Your Majesty” in place of his name before inviting him to cut the cake.
However, the King appeared reluctant to do so, saying “I don’t want to ruin it”. But with some encouragement from his wife he clasped the large knife with two hands and sunk it into one of the turrets.
The royal couple then worked the room, and received an unusual offer by Love Island winner and fitness coach Liam Reardon, who when telling the King about his gym, said: “If you’d like to come for a session together, let me know, that would be great.”
When speaking to Ms Jones, Camilla took a moment to recognise her, marvelling at the TV star’s impressive weightloss.
The King and Queen then spoke to people working with their patronages, including The King’s Trust and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, as well as local businesses Cocos Coffee and Candles and Enaid Wellness and the domestic violence charity Safer Merthyr Tydfil.
Charles was also presented with a coin to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary next year, which was designed by King’s Trust alumna Jessica Gregorio and produced at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
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Designer Julien, who is an ambassador for the ROS, showed the King and Queen a dress he designed for Dame Shirley Bassey and which he had brought back specially from Monte Carlo to exhibit at the castle for their visit.
Dame Shirley has worn the yellow Italian silk georgette gown, embellished with 20,000 Swarowski crystals and upcycled ostrich feathers, to a Royal Variety Performance and to open a world tour.
The Queen has previously attended one of Julien’s fashion shows in aid of the Royal Osteoporosis Society as the charity’s President, a role she has had since 2001. She became heavily involved with its work following the deaths of her mother Rosalind Shand and grandmother Sonia Keppel from the disease.
The King and Queen then braved the torrential downpours brought by Storm Claudia to greet the hundreds of people who had braved the weather for hours in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royal couple/
There were shouts of “Happy birthday!” and “Penblwydd Hapus, Your Majesty!” as the King stopped to chat to as many people as possible, accepting gifts of cuddly toys and homemade cards, while his wife was given bouquets of flowers.
“Nice wet day!” said the Queen, laughing, as she shook hands from beneath her umbrella.
Built in 1825, the 72-room castle now houses a museum and art gallery, featuring more than 300 artworks – the biggest collection outside the National Museum of Wales.
King Charles braved the rain to greet members of the public (Image: Getty)
Elsewhere on Friday, ceremonial gun salutes were fired at Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and other landmarks across the UK, to mark the monarch’s birthday.
After spending almost an hour at the castle, the King opened the South Wales Metro Depot in Taff’s Well, near Cardiff, and met Transport for Wales staff who have worked to deliver the project.
The purpose-built depot is located on the former Garth Works industrial estate to maintain a fleet of 36 tram-trains.
During the visit, Charles boarded one of the tram-trains and even took the driver’s seat.
Earlier on Friday, Buckingham Palace shared a new photograph of the King to mark his 77th birthday.
The image, taken by Millie Pilkington, shows Charles at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
It was shared on social media with the message: “77 today! Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty’s Birthday.
