King Charles's life in milestones as monarch celebrates 75th birthday today
King Charles III celebrates his 75th birthday today, November 14. Here Express.co.uk takes a look at some key milestones in his life and reign so far.
King Charles III celebrates his 75th birthday today, November 14.
The monarch, who acceeded the throne just over a year ago, was born on this day 75 years ago as Charles Philip Arthur George.
After making history as the country's longest-serving heir to the throne and dedicated Prince of Wales, he became the monarch of Britain and 14 other realms on September 8, 2022.
The King is said to be marking the occasion with a low-key private party, thought to be taking place at Clarence House as well as carrying on his royal duties with two engagements.
To commemorate this milestone day, Express.co.uk take a look at 12 key moments of King Charles's life.
Last week, King Charles kicked off his birthday celebrations with the release of a new-brand photographic portrait.
Looking very business-like, the monarch is seen dressed in a pinstripe suit and tie.
Ready to tick off another milestone in his extraordinary life, the King gears up to launch a scheme to support the nation's neediest during the cost-of-living crisis.
On Tuesday, November 14 - his big day - the King and Queen Camilla will launch the Coronation Food Project.
(Image: Rankin/Rankin Creative)
On November 7, 2023, King Charles III delivered a speech during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London.
The King and Queen Camilla marked the start of the occasion by travelling to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
The carriage made its way from Buckingham Palace along Whitehall to Westminster.
The King's first State Opening Speech as monarch bears significance as the late Queen attended in person on 67 occasions during her reign - all except of 1959, 1963, and 2022.
Like the late Queen, King Charles read a speech written by Rishi Sunak’s Government to MPs and Peers, outlining government policy and proposed legislation.
(Image: PA)
On May 6, 2023 King Charles was crowned in a spectacular Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Alongside her husband, Queen Camilla was also crowned in a joint ceremony for the royal couple.
The ceremony marked the official start to the King's reign and took place 70 years after the last Coronation, which was his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's in 1952.
The ceremony, which took place in front of 2,000 attending guests, was also watched by millions across the globe.
(Image: PA)
December 25, 2022 marked the King's first Christmas as monarch.
In true royal tradition, the King followed in his late mother's footsteps by giving his first official Christmas speech.
The monarch paid homage to his late mother, while thanking the nation for their "love and sympathy" in the months prior following the late Queen's death.
Reflecting on the past year, the King also praised his elder son and daughter-in-law - the Prince and Princess of Wales - for the work they continue to do, as well as his beloved wife.
The King's speech was praised by many across the nation, with many people taking to social media to express their opinion. One fan wrote: "What a wonderful first Christmas speech!"
Another wrote: "I did not know how it would go this Christmas, but Charles' message was very personal and uplifting. It was touching and he presented it very well."
(Image: BBC/YouTube)
King Charles III delivered his first address as monarch just hours after the death of his late mother in September 2022.
In his speech, he honored the late Queen Elizabeth II, while also pledging to uphold and move forward the promises she made to her subjects over 70 years ago.
The monarch used his first address to commemorate the many changes that Queen Elizabeth II saw during her 70-year reign. He even mentioned the radio broadcast she delivered as princess from Cape Town, South Africa in 1947 – just a handful of years before she ascended to the throne.
The King also addressed his elder son and daughter-in-law - the Prince and Princess of Wales - and praised them for the work that they would continue to uphold.
In a surprise moment, the monarch also made a brief mention his younger son and daughter-in-law, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Speaking of Meghan and Harry, the King said: "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."
(Image: BBC/YouTube)