King Charles is celebrating his birthday today (Image: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince William and Princess Catherine have sent a public birthday message to King Charles today. The monarch is turning 78 today and celebrating his birthday privately.
However, while the celebrations are private, Prince William did not miss the chance to wish his father a public happy birthday. Sharing a photograph of King Charles with Elton John, posted by Buckingham Palace this morning, William and Catherine wrote on their Instagram story: “Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!”
It is not known whether they will see the monarch today for his birthday. If not, they are likely to have sent very warm birthday wishes.
Prince William and Catherine’s public birthday messages come after the official Royal Family Instagram account also wished the monarch a happy birthday. They wrote: “Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King! Tune in to a special edition of @EltonJohn’s Rocket Hour to celebrate 50 years of @KingsTrust, from 9 am GMT today on @AppleMusic.”
The Palace has marked the King’s birthday today with a picture of the monarch and Sir Elton because the King has recorded a special episode of Sir Elton John’s podcast, Rocket Hour. This episode is airing today on the monarch’s birthday.
In the chat, the King and Elton talk about music’s key role in the work of The King’s Trust. Charles told Sir Elton: “We and the Trust are definitely still standing.”
Elton then joked: “I’m still sitting now, though.”
The King joked: “With occasional bits dropping off here and there. I know this is a terrible problem as we get older.”
While Prince William and Princess Catherine have publicly wished the King a happy birthday, the monarch’s youngest son, Prince Harry, hasn’t. It is believed Harry would have sent private birthday greetings to his father.
It is believed that while the King and William see each other often, the relationship between Harry and His Majesty remains tense. This is despite the fact that they last saw each other in July.
It is understood that the monarch has not seen his youngest son since he relocated back to Britain in August – six years after quitting royal life.
Prince William and Kate Send 10-Word Birthday Message as King Charles Turns 78 – Royal Family Celebrates Special Occasion
Prince William and Princess Catherine have shared a touching public birthday tribute to King Charles as the monarch celebrates his 78th birthday, marking the occasion with a short but meaningful message that has attracted attention from royal watchers around the world.
The Prince and Princess of Wales took to their official social media account on Saturday, November 14, to send their warm wishes to the King.
Their message read:
“Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!”
The ten-word greeting was accompanied by a photograph of King Charles alongside legendary British musician Sir Elton John.
Although brief, the public message provided another glimpse into the relationship between the King and his eldest son, as the Royal Family came together to celebrate an important personal milestone.
William and Kate Share Special Birthday Tribute
The birthday greeting was shared through the official social media account of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, William and Catherine chose a simple message that expressed their affection and respect for the monarch.
The photograph they selected was particularly significant.
It showed King Charles alongside Sir Elton John during their recent collaboration for a special edition of the musician’s Apple Music programme, Rocket Hour.
The image connected the birthday celebrations with another important occasion: the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, the charity established by Charles when he was Prince of Wales.
The public tribute was warmly received by royal followers, who were keen to see members of the Royal Family acknowledging the King’s special day.
King Charles Celebrates His 78th Birthday
Born on November 14, 1948, King Charles officially turned 78 on Saturday.
Unlike some previous royal celebrations, the monarch spent much of his actual birthday enjoying private time with Queen Camilla and his family.
However, the celebrations began a day earlier with a series of public engagements in south London.
On Friday, November 13, Charles visited Surrey Street Market in Croydon to mark its 750th anniversary.
The historic market welcomed the King with enthusiastic crowds, birthday greetings and a specially decorated cake.
Visitors sang Happy Birthday as Charles joined the celebrations.
The monarch appeared delighted by the reception and thanked members of the public for their warm wishes.
He also visited The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where he met students and staff and watched performances.
The visit highlighted his longstanding interest in supporting young people and creative opportunities.
Sir Elton John Joins the King’s Birthday Celebrations
One of the most interesting elements of this year’s celebrations was King Charles’s special appearance on Sir Elton John’s Rocket Hour programme.
The episode was broadcast on Apple Music on the King’s birthday.
During their conversation, the two discussed music, memorable performances and the importance of supporting young artists.
Much of the discussion focused on The King’s Trust, which celebrates five decades of helping young people overcome barriers and build successful futures.
Charles reflected on the importance of music throughout his life and selected several songs that held particular meaning for him.
Among his choices was Elton John’s famous hit I’m Still Standing.
The King praised the song’s message of resilience and explained why it continued to inspire people facing difficult circumstances.
Elton John also shared memories of meeting musical heroes and discussed how music had influenced his own career.
The programme offered a more personal glimpse of the monarch’s interests beyond his constitutional responsibilities.
Why Does King Charles Have Two Birthdays?
One fascinating royal tradition is that British monarchs can celebrate two birthdays every year.
King Charles’s actual birthday falls in November, when British weather is often cold and unpredictable.
His official birthday is therefore celebrated in June through the spectacular Trooping the Colour ceremony.
This longstanding tradition allows the monarch to enjoy a major public celebration during the warmer summer months.
Trooping the Colour features hundreds of soldiers, military musicians and horses.
The celebrations traditionally include a procession along The Mall, followed by the Royal Family appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a military flypast.
The tradition dates back centuries and was maintained by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign.
Charles has continued the custom since becoming King in 2022.
Royal Family Members Send Their Birthday Wishes
William and Kate were not the only members of the Royal Family to acknowledge the monarch’s birthday.
The official Royal Family social media account also published a tribute to Charles.
Sandringham Estate, the royal residence in Norfolk, shared its own birthday greeting.
These messages demonstrated the importance of the occasion within the wider royal household.
However, attention also turned towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who did not publish a public birthday greeting to the King on their social media accounts.
Their silence attracted speculation among royal commentators, particularly given the reported tensions within the family.
Nevertheless, the absence of a public message does not establish that no private birthday wishes were exchanged.
It remains possible that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex contacted the King privately.
A Special Birthday for a Monarch Facing Major Responsibilities
King Charles’s 78th birthday comes during another important period for the monarchy.
Since ascending the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Charles has worked to establish his own approach to royal duties.
His interests have included environmental protection, community development, education and opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
The King’s Trust remains one of the most important parts of his charitable legacy.
Established in 1976, the organisation has supported millions of young people through education, employment and enterprise programmes.
Its 50th anniversary makes this year’s birthday particularly meaningful.
The collaboration with Elton John provided an opportunity to highlight the charity’s work and recognise the contribution of musicians and supporters over several decades.
Conclusion: A Simple Message With Special Meaning
Prince William and Princess Kate’s ten-word birthday greeting may have been short, but it provided a warm public acknowledgement of King Charles’s 78th birthday.
The monarch enjoyed celebrations involving family tributes, a visit to Croydon, a special appearance alongside Sir Elton John and a programme highlighting the achievements of The King’s Trust.
For royal followers, the occasion also offered an opportunity to reflect on the changing relationships within the Royal Family and the responsibilities facing the monarchy.
As King Charles continues his reign, his birthday remains an important moment for the nation to recognise his work and charitable commitments.
Sometimes the simplest messages carry the greatest meaning. William and Kate’s warm birthday wishes were a reminder that, beyond the royal titles and public responsibilities, the monarchy remains a family with its own traditions, relationships and special occasions.