He had insisted he didn’t want a fuss, but when the King turned 75 last week, he was treated to several renditions of Happy Birthday, gun salutes, gifts and a huge cake.
Aides said His Majesty wanted to use his milestone to shine a light on other people, so he carried out a string of engagements to do exactly that.
However, he also made time to celebrate with his nearest and dearest, who helped him round off his special day with an intimate party at his London home, Clarence House.
The festivities began the day before, when the monarch dropped in on a tea party for others marking their 75th birthdays this year hosted by the King’s Foundation at Highgrove, his Gloucestershire estate. He was serenaded by around 60 partygoers and the local Rock Choir.
Cutting into a three-tiered Victoria sponge cake, he urged guests to eat up, saying: “Who can I donate it to? Can we get rid of it? We need to give you doggie bags.”
He had invited community champions in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset, as well as representatives of the NHS and the Windrush generation, both of which are marking 75th anniversaries this year.
TRIBUTES FROM THE STARS
Famous faces included The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades, singer Leee John and chef Raymond Blanc, a new ambassador for the foundation, who said: “He has been campaigning for 50 years on environmental and social issues that are vital for our communities and our planet. What he has done is extraordinary.”
Denne historien er fra November 27, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 27, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
AS SHE SIGNS UP FOR SECOND SERIES OF 'RIVALS' THE TIME OF HER LIFE VICTORIA SMURFIT ON HER DREAM ROLE, HER INSPIRING KIDS AND TRUE LOVE AT 50
Dancing around the studio to the 1980s soundtrack that's providing the background music for this exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Victoria Smurfit looks to be having the time of her life.
AFTER CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF NOTRE-DAME STEPPING ON TO THE WORLD STAGE THE PRINCE OF WALES WINS PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IN PARIS
Proving his mettle as a global figure, the Prince of Wales met US President-elect Donald Trump on a visit to Paris last week.
Young at heart
The Duke of Sussex embraced turning 40 as he and Meghan focused on doing good
'OPPENHEIMER' STAR EMILY BLUNT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY THE ACTRESS ON WORKING WITH HUSBAND JOHN KRASINSKI AND WHY THEIR KIDS WON'T WATCH HER FILMS
Emily Blunt may be an A-list actress to the rest of the world, but at home with her two young daughters, she's just mum.
MARKING FOUR DECADES OF THE FESTIVE HIT SINGLE LIFE AFTER 'LAST CHRISTMAS' ANDREW RIDGELEY OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL
With its familiar refrain and heartfelt vocals, Last Christmas by Wham! is as synonymous with the festive season as turkey and mince pies. The song has just turned 40, and to mark the occasion, the band's Andrew Ridgeley is starring in a BBC documentary about the classic tune.
Leading the way
The Prince of Wales has stepped up to the plate amid a year of serious challenges for his family
Pillar of strength
The Queen has been a constant support for her beloved husband throughout a tough year
Welcome return
Royal fans were thrilled to see Kate, elegant as ever, back in the spotlight alongside her family
Her greatest challenge
The Princess of Wales faced her most difficult year with stoicism and consideration for her young family
Bouncing back
Treatment for cancer couldn't keep the King down, as he greeted royal fans from Ascot to Australia
