Post by Admin on Nov 14, 2022 11:37:18 GMT -4
An official photograph has been released to mark the King's 74th birthday - showing him in his new role as ranger of Windsor Great Park.
King Charles III is seen leaning on an ancient oak tree in the park, as he takes on a role once held by his father, Prince Philip.
The photograph, full of autumn sunshine, was taken last week.
The King is expected to mark the day privately, his first birthday since becoming monarch.
As the new ranger, the King becomes steward of one of the country's oldest landed estates, in a role that dates back to the 16th Century.
The Berkshire park attracts about five million visitors per year and the King, an enthusiastic environmentalist, will now oversee its upkeep.
Red deer were reintroduced to the 5,000-acre estate during the stewardship of Prince Philip, who held the post for almost 70 years, until his death in 2021.
Happy Birthday was played for King Charles outside Buckingham Palace on Monday morning, performed by the band of the Household Cavalry during the changing of the guard ceremony.
Happy Birthday was played outside Buckingham Palace at the changing of the guard
Gun salutes have been fired across London, with the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing 41 volleys at Green Park. The Honourable Artillery Company fired a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
There is also a royal tradition of the monarch having a separate official birthday in the summer, which is tied to the Trooping the Colour parade.
The date of Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday was scheduled for a Saturday in mid-June and saw the announcement of the annual Birthday honours. It has not yet been confirmed whether the same pattern will be followed by the King.
