On Monday, King Charles celebrated his 74th birthday. Among the many presents he received was the honor of becoming the new Ranger of Windsor.
As yet the gifts he received from his children and grandchildren have not been revealed. William and Kate, as well as the Royal Palace, congratulated the monarch on his birthday, as per reports, though it’s unclear whether Harry and Meghan sent him birthday wishes.
Royal Family members have traditionally been open and public with regards to sending their regards to each other. Indeed, they often do so through their social media accounts.
Yet this year, perhaps tellingly, it seems as though Harry and Meghan’s relationship with Charles has reached a level where even a “happy birthday” is asking too much.
King Charles celebrated his 74th birthday Monday; his first as monarch. As per reports, had no official engagements planned for the day and kept the celebrations private.
Naturally, some public birthday celebrations were arranged even so. The Band of the Household Cavalry performed Happy Birthday during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, while gun salutes were fired across London in honor of Charles’ birthday. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing 41 shots at Green Park.
Moreover, King Charles was also given an honorable new job on his 74th birthday (as he needed more of those).
Through its social media channels, the Palace announced that His Majesty has officially become Park Ranger of Windsor Great Park. The Ranger of The Great Park, the Palace writes, provides “oversight and guidance to the Deputy Ranger and his team in the day-to-day stewardship of one of the country’s oldest estates.”
Seventy years ago, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was appointed as Park Ranger. He held the position from 1952 to his passing in 2021, becoming the longest-serving Ranger in history.
“His Royal Highness took an active role in overseeing developments, such as the reintroduction of Red Deer into the Deer Park in 1979 and the development of The Savill Garden Visitor Centre and Virginia Water Pavilion,” the Palace wrote on Instagram, alongside posting a picture of Charles leaning against an ancient oak tree in Windsor Great Park.
In 1559 Sir Henry Neville was appointed as the first Park Ranger during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Since, the post has usually been held by the monarch or family members, including King Charles’ father and grandfather.
The monarch’s two birthdays
“We are honored to have His Majesty as Ranger of Windsor Great Park, continuing a long tradition of the Sovereign and members of the Royal Family holding this role,” Paul Sedgwick, The Crown Estate’s managing director, rural and deputy ranger of Windsor Great Park, said
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