Palace Marks the Occasion with a New Portrait Amid Reflections on Family Challenges
Today, King Charles turns 76, celebrating his birthday with a mix of royal duties and private moments. Despite ongoing health concerns, the King plans to honour the day by launching new food distribution hubs as part of the Coronation Food Project's first anniversary.
While Charles typically prefers low-key celebrations, his 70th birthday remains a standout event, highlighted by family portraits featuring Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, and his three eldest grandchildren. The photos, however, were not easy to arrange. According to Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, coordinating schedules for the photoshoot was challenging, with both William and Harry reportedly hesitant to commit, making it “an absolute nightmare.”
In the years since, Charles and William have grown closer, bonding over shared commitments to environmental causes and the future of the monarchy. However, Harry’s relationship with his father has become more strained. In his interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry revealed that at one point, Charles “refused to take his calls,” leaving him feeling abandoned and financially unsupported.
Attempts at reconciliation remain complicated, with Harry’s efforts to discuss pressing issues, like his security during visits to the UK, often met with silence, further deepening the rift. As the King celebrates his birthday, these unresolved family dynamics linger, casting a shadow over what might otherwise be a joyous occasion.
