Happy 76th birthday, King Charles!
Here are five fun facts you may not know about the British monarch.
Britain's King Charles III delivers a speech while attending a Parliamentary reception at Parliament House in Canberra on 21 October 2024. Picture: LUKAS COCH / POOL / AFP
King Charles III celebrates his 76th birthday on Thursday (14 November).
He was born in Buckingham Palace in 1948 to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and acceded to the throne when his mother passed away in 2022.
To celebrate the monarch’s birthday, we look at five fun facts you may not know about him:
King Charles celebrates two birthdays
In addition to his birth date in November, Charles is honoured annually with public festivities on his 'birthday' in June, including a parade known as Trooping the Colour.
The tradition dates back centuries, and the UK weather is much better in June.
Our Royal Family at today's Trooping the Colour. 🇬🇧
— Joshua Brandwood (@brandwoodphotos) June 15, 2024
I was quite nervous about capturing this shot, especially with other photographers using massive zoom lenses, but I hope I've done it justice! pic.twitter.com/bpsyY2cZLh
He was the longest-serving British heir
It only made sense that Charles would be the longest-serving heir as his mother was the longest-reigning monarch.
He became the heir at three years old when Elizabeth acceded to the throne in 1952.
He acceded to the throne after her passing in 2022.
He can drive without a license and travel without a passport
As King, Charles has several perks, including not needing a license or a passport.
With a fleet of luxury cars worth millions at his disposal, there is no doubt he is at least having some fun.
King Charles III drove his Audi to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk today, acconpanied by his equerry Johnny.
— 🌻Sarahsecret (@sarahdiaryz) October 13, 2024
📸 DM pic.twitter.com/zNJbVO85N5
He is a qualified diver and pilot
During his time in the Royal Navy, Charles flew planes and helicopters.
He is also the first-ever British monarch to qualify as a diver.
Look how happy King Charles is with his son Prince William, he’s a proud father
— The Prince (@freedom_007__) May 13, 2024
The King handed over the position of Colonel-In-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William. King Charles held the position for 32 years & both are helicopter veterans#PrinceWilliam #KingCharles pic.twitter.com/7AjX288v1B
He plays three instruments
Aside from being a massive art lover, Charles learned to play the cello, piano, and trumpet.
King Charles III is a musician at heart, with a deep love for the cello, orchestral music, and the works of Beethoven.
— Classic FM (@ClassicFM) September 13, 2022
As a young prince, Charles III learned the trumpet and piano. He continued to play cello throughout his years at Cambridge, playing in a university orchestra. pic.twitter.com/6PMG3TNIq7