Happy Birthday, King Charles!
The monarch celebrates his 78th birthday Saturday, Nov. 14, and Buckingham Palace marked the meaningful occasion on Instagram with a new photograph of the royal alongside Sir Elton John.
In the photo, the birthday king smiles beside the "Rocketman" singer in a starry, space-themed studio. Both are celebrating 50 years of The King's Trust with a special edition of Elton John's Apple Music show, Rocket Hour.
"Happy Birthday to His Majesty!" John commented under the post, as the King's Trust's account added, "Happy birthday to our Royal Founding President ❤️🎂"
In honor of the king's birthday, Princess Kate and Prince William reshared the post to their Instagram stories, writing, "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty
The King!"
In 2024, the monarch was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. Last year, the king said he had responded well to treatment and that his treatment schedule was being significantly reduced.
Last year, on his 77th birthday, Charles spent the day in South Wales with Queen Camilla. The monarch braved heavy rain to greet well-wishers outside Cyfarthfa Castle, where he attended a birthday reception. He was photographed cutting into a giant birthday cake shaped like the historic landmark.
Why does King Charles have two birthdays?
While Charles was born Nov. 14, 1948, the official ceremony to mark the sovereign's birthday is always held in June. The parade, known as Trooping the Colour, is believed to have first been designated as the official marker for the sovereign's birthday in 1748, during the reign of George II.
The former monarch was also born in November, a month usually far too cold for an outdoor celebration. So he combined it with the summer Trooping the Colour parade, which remains an annual highlight of the royal calendar.
This year, on June 13, Britain marked the king's birthday with an elaborate display of pageantry featuring almost 1,500 army personnel and 200 military horses. Thousands of royal watchers flooded the streets for the event.
King Charles' birthday comes amid more royal drama
The king has just completed a controversial tour of the Caribbean, during which he was met with protests from those demanding reparations and an apology over Britain's historical role in the slave trade. Despite fervent debate, Charles appeared in high spirits and was filmed dancing in the streets of the Bahamas, shaking cowbells and engaging with locals.
In August, the monarch's estranged son, Prince Harry, returned to Britain after six years overseas, bringing his wife, Duchess Meghan, and their two children back to live in his home country. The Sussex return has been marred by controversy.
Last month, Duchess Meghan spoke out about the "sickening accusations" against her estranged father, Thomas Markle, Sr., who was arrested by the FBI over alleged child sexual abuse images.
Markle, who is in federal custody after cutting off his ankle monitor, denies the allegations against him.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: King Charles celebrates 78th birthday in new photo with Elton John
