King Charles marks his 77th birthday in South Wales this week, accompanied by Queen Camilla, with a series of engagements including a meeting with Ruth Jones, star of the
BBC’s *Gavin & Stacey*.
The monarch also features in this week’s issue of *Country Life* magazine, though it remains unclear whether he would consider celebrating his birthday alongside the actress who played Nessa “tidy.”
A reception is planned at Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, which is itself marking its 200th anniversary, and a birthday cake for the King is expected to be part of the festivities.
The royal visit coincides with Storm Claudia, which is forecast to bring heavy rain across South Wales.
It has been a turbulent few weeks for the royal family. The removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s title and his status as prince, over links to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, has cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a busy autumn for the King. Highlights have included the state visit by US President Donald Trump, a historic meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican, and this week’s annual Remembrance events.
Despite ongoing cancer treatment, the King’s South Wales trip signals his determination to continue working.
At 77, Charles is now the fifth-longest-lived British monarch, surpassing George II, who died in 1760 just days shy of his 77th birthday. The record remains held by Elizabeth II, followed by Victoria, George III, and Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936. Photo: Corps of Royal Engineers, Facebook.
