King Charles shifts focus to critically important day, not William’s birthday

King Charles delivered an important message to the public after his son Prince William had privately marked his 43rd birthday on Saturday.

The Prince of Wales’s birthday – June 21 – is also a significant date as it marks the longest night of the year in Antarctica. To uplift the spirits of the researchers working in the freezing environment, the monarch sent a personal message.

The recorded message also came for the special 70th anniversary of BBC’s annual Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast, dedicated to research staff stationed at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) facilities in Rothera, Bird Island, and South Georgia.

“With the sun shying away from your horizon today, I particularly wanted to send my warmest good wishes to all of those serving at British Antarctic research stations this Midwinter’s Day and, above all, to express the greatest admiration for the critically important work you do,” Charles said in the statement.

He noted that the “scientific research” that is taking place in the Antarctic is today “more vital than ever, telling us stories of the past, the present and possible futures”.

He added, “Each observation, measurement and calculation you undertake adds to the world’s understanding of the Earth’s fragile systems.”

King Charles once again sent his “countless special thoughts” in celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Midwinter broadcast.

The Palace revealed that the first broadcast took place in June 1955 as a short-wave message for an intended audience of around 30, it is now heard and enjoyed by millions globally.

The traditional celebration includes recorded personal messages from friends and family at home. 

The day also coincided with the future King's birthday for which Charles had shared a greeting on the official social media for the Royal Family.