King Charles Marks 77th Birthday with Modest Celebrations

Today, November 14, 2025, King Charles is celebrating his 77th birthday. Unlike his lavish 60th birthday party in 2008, the King's current celebrations are expected to be more understated.

In 2008, when Charles was still known as Prince Charles, his 60th birthday was marked by an extravagant dinner at Buckingham Palace attended by 170 dignitaries and guests, including then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This was followed by a private celebration at the King's personal residence, Highgrove in Gloucestershire, where Sir Rod Stewart was personally invited to perform.

Penny Lancaster, Sir Rod's wife, recalls an unforgettable memory from the event. She was asked by the King to be the first to dance on the floor during Sir Rod's performance, to encourage others to join. Penny danced with the King, as well as his sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

The 2008 birthday party was dubbed the "party of the year", with other high-profile guests including Kate Middleton, Chelsy Davy, Dame Joanna Lumley, Rowan Atkinson, and Dame Judi Dench. Attendees indulged in locally sourced food and Highgrove's own champagne, and the following morning, they gathered in the kitchen for a hearty cooked breakfast.

This year's celebrations for the King's 77th birthday are expected to be more modest, with the King and Queen scheduled to tour South Wales to engage with the local community. Last year, the King's birthday was similarly understated, when he attended the launch of a new food hub in Deptford, South London.