King Charles celebrates first birthday as UK monarch
UK King Charles III will mark his 74th birthday today (Monday 14 November), his first birthday celebration since he ascended the throne just over two months ago, The Independent reports.
The monarch assumed his new role following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September.
While he was the Prince of Wales, the King would sometimes be away on official foreign tours during his birthday and would celebrate it overseas with a cake.
Today, his milestone will be asked by the Band of the Household Cavalry performing “Happy Birthday” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Gun salutes will be fired across London in honour of the King’s birthday for the first time, with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing 41 volleys from midday at Green Park.
Immediately afterwards, the Band of the Scots Guards will perform the birthday song in the park.
The King’s Troop is a mounted ceremonial unit in the British Army that fires salutes on royal anniversaries and major events like state visits. They also provide a gun carriage and a team of black horses for state and military funerals.
The Honourable Artillery Company will also fire a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
Apart from the gun salutes and and band music, the King is expected to mark the occasion privately.