Charles III is 75: why the King is 'unbearable' when it comes to birthday presents

On Tuesday 14 November, Charles III celebrated his 75th birthday. To avoid disappointment, when it comes to unwrapping his presents, the King has got into the habit of drawing up a list. It's a ritual that often gives his closest friends and family a hard time, as they try to please him on this very special day.

King Charles birthday
© Getty Images@Getty_Images
King Charles birthday

Tuesday 14 November was a very special day. King Charles III celebrated his 75th birthday. Although he was able to cut his birthday cake a little early, Camilla Parker Bowles' husbandwas looking forward to unwrapping his presents. It has to be said that the father of Princes William and Harry has a very precise idea of what he wants to receive on this day. Every year, Charles III draws up a list of gifts that would give him particular pleasure. It's enough to give a hard time to those closest to him, especially his wife.

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The Queen told the Daily Mail in no uncertain terms:

He's unbearable. He draws up a list of gifts, and I've learnt in thirteen years of marriage that you have to stick to the list

This was echoed by VSD in its monthly magazine published on 31 October. She continued:

He knows what he likes. And if you give him a surprise, he'll say, 'Oh, that's beautiful,' when it's not beautiful to him at all.

It really is best not to venture into extravagant displays, as witnessed by some on Charles III's 70th birthday on 14 November 2018. To mark this new decade, "journalists specialising in the Windsors" concocted a little surprise for Kate Middleton's father-in-law, as reported by VSD. Outside Clarence House, they presented him witha multicoloured balloon and a squirrel repellent spray. As these gifts were not on his meticulously prepared list, the son of the late Queen Elizabeth IIcould not hide his disappointment. The monthly magazine recounted that Charles told them:

But where did you find these horrors, truly horrified

So it's best not to take any chances if you want to fill Charles III with joy on his birthday…

Charles III: the programme of festivities for his birthday

Charles III celebrated his three-quarters of a century in style! Like the monarch, the NHS celebrated its 75th birthday on Tuesday 14 November. To mark the occasion, Princess Anne's brother organised a reception at Buckingham Palace, attended by no fewer than four hundred nurses and midwives. The NHS choir performed a surprise birthday song in honour of Charles III. It was a symbolic moment to thank and underline the importance of healthcare professionals.

Another highlight of the day was the official launch of the Coronation Food Project by Charles III and Camilla. Charles III and Camilla officially launched the Coronation Food Project. The royal couple then visited a surplus food distribution centre on the outskirts of London. Finally, to round off the day in style, the King was joined by his close family and friends for a private dinner at Clarence House. This was an evening in which Charles III is sure to have been spoiled.

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Sources:

The List: The Strangest Gifts King Charles And Queen Camilla Have Received

The Independent: Charles at 75: King celebrates birthday alongside Camilla with packed schedule

King Charles' coronation: Penny Mordaunt left viewers in shock while presenting Monarch with sword King Charles' coronation: Penny Mordaunt left viewers in shock while presenting Monarch with sword