King Charles celebrated his 77th birthday on Friday and some royal insiders revealed his usual request when it comes to gifts.
A new portrait of the king was also released on Friday to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped out for engagements in South Wales where they met with actress Ruth Jones.
King Charles’ birthday gift ‘request’
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served the king from 2004 to 2011, told Express: “He would always ask for things for the garden. He’s previously asked for benches, plants and trees. Gardening is his real passion.”
Royal gardener Jack Stooks echoed that sentiment.
Jack confirmed that the king often requests “trees, shrubs, roses, hedging”. He added: “He would plant them at one of the royal gardens.”
Over the years, the monarch has received a variety of botanical gifts from celebrity friends.
He would always ask for things for the garden.
Elton John reportedly once gifted him a golden Indian bean tree for Highgrove, which sadly died. Meanwhile, Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan and his wife gave a Magnolia, which is now a towering feature in the orchard.
“They actually once came around the garden. We showed them the tree they’d gifted him,” said Jack. “They were just so lovely and down to earth.”
Sting and Trudie Styler also presented the king and queen with a snakes-head fritillaria.
“It’s such a nice idea. The kind of gift giving that keeps on giving,” Jack added.
Charles and Camilla step out in South Wales
On Friday, the king and queen were in South Wales where Charles’ birthday was celebrated with a reception at Cyfarthfa Castle.
Guests including Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation were invited.
A moment of Queen Camilla meeting Ruth was shared on X on Friday. The queen asked the actress: “Haven’t you lost masses of weight?”
Ruth replied: “Yes I have, thank you! I’ve lost a bit of weight!”
Charles beams in portrait
Meanwhile, to mark his 77th birthday, Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of the king, taken by photographer Millie Pilkington.
The image showed a relaxed Charles at Sandringham, dressed in a cream jacket and holding a shepherd’s crook.
It was shared with a simple caption: “77 today! Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty’s Birthday.”
“His Majesty looks so relaxed! Happy birthday, Sir!” One fan gushed.
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“You truly are inspirational,” another wrote. “We are so grateful to have you as our king.”
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