The Prince and Princess of Wales shared their birthday wishes through social media, posting a photograph of Charles alongside legendary musician Elton John. The image was accompanied by a short message wishing the King a happy birthday and marking the special occasion.
The tribute came as the royal couple continued their tradition of publicly celebrating the monarch's birthday. Last year, William and Kate also shared a special message to mark Charles' 77th birthday, alongside a newly released photograph of him at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
King Charles began celebrating his birthday ahead of the actual date, making a surprise visit to Croydon in south London on Friday. During the outing, he joined celebrations marking the 750th anniversary of Surrey Street Market, where he participated in a cake-cutting ceremony that recognised both occasions.
The monarch also visited The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where he met renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Music has also featured prominently in this year's birthday celebrations, with Charles teaming up with Elton John for a special edition of the musician's Apple Music 1 radio programme, Rocket Hour.
The episode, which premiered on Saturday, featured a conversation recorded last month in which the two discussed the influence of music and the contributions of artists who have supported The King's Trust over the past five decades.
The programme also included a specially curated playlist featuring performers who have contributed to the charity's work, including Raye and Skye Newman.
Charles was born on November 14, 1948, but his birthday is traditionally celebrated twice annually. Since becoming monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, he has continued the royal tradition of marking his actual birthday alongside the official public celebration.
The second celebration takes place during Trooping the Colour, an annual military parade held in June to commemorate the sovereign's official birthday.
The occasion typically brings together members of the royal family for a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. The King receives the salute before returning to the palace, where the royal family gathers on the balcony to watch a flypast by military aircraft.
The tradition was maintained by Queen Elizabeth II, whose actual birthday was in April, with the June celebration scheduled to take advantage of London's generally warmer summer weather.
