King Charles marked his 77th birthday in South Wales today, facing fierce wind and rain as he carried out a packed schedule of celebrations.

The monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, visited the grand 19th-century Cyfartha Castle, where he was presented with an elaborate castle-shaped birthday cake. Local celebrities — including Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald, and TikTok creator Lewis Leigh — joined representatives from the King and Queen’s patronages and local businesses for a special reception featuring slices of Victoria sponge.

The day carried double significance: not only was it the King’s birthday, but Cyfartha Castle is also celebrating 200 years since its construction. Guests sang “Happy Birthday,” replacing his name with “Your Majesty,” before inviting him to cut the towering cake.

At first, Charles hesitated, joking, “I don’t want to ruin it.” With a gentle nudge from the Queen, he finally gripped the oversized knife with both hands and sank it into one of the decorative turrets.

As the royal couple mingled with the room, they encountered several surprising interactions — including an offer from Love Island winner and fitness coach Liam Reardon, who told the King: “If you’d like to come for a session together, let me know.”
Queen Camilla also paused to praise Ruth Jones for her impressive weight loss transformation.

The King and Queen spent time speaking with individuals from various patronages, including The King’s Trust, the Royal Osteoporosis Society, Enaid Wellness, Cocos Coffee and Candles, and the domestic violence charity Safer Merthyr Tydfil. Charles was also gifted a commemorative coin celebrating The King’s Trust’s upcoming 50th anniversary, designed by alumna Jessica Gregorio and produced by the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.