King Charles celebrated his 77th birthday in dramatic style and not just because the skies over South Wales opened mid reception.
The monarch and Queen Camilla made a majestic stop at Cyfarthfa Castle, where local voices and a spirited “Happy Birthday!” singalong greeted them upon arrival.
A gorgeous victoria sponge cake crafted to look just like castle itself jam, buttercream, turrets and all. With a laugh and some encouragement from Camilla, Charles bravely sank his knife into one of the cake’s towers.
The reception mixed royal whimsy with community pride. Guests included local legends like Gavin & Stacey actress Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald, and TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, alongside representatives from the King’s Trust and the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
The castle itself, built in 1825, is restoration making the anniversary party a double celebration.
But Charles didn’t stop at cake and cheers. He later opened the Walnut Tree Metro Depot in Taff’s Well and even took the driver’s seat aboard a tram-train named Myddfai all under the watchful eye of cheering transport staff.
Back home, the palace marked the occasion by releasing a striking new portrait of the King, shot at Sandringham by Millie Pilkington.
