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King Charles visits storm-hit Wales on 77th birthday
King Charles III spent his 77th birthday in wet and windy south Wales on Friday, accompanied by Queen Camilla, as Storm Claudia lashed the region. The visit underscored his commitment to public duties despite ongoing cancer treatment.
Castle reception and community meetings
At Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, the monarch met local cultural figures, including Ruth Jones, star of BBC's *Gavin and Stacey*, and *Love Island* contestant Liam Reardon. During a reception, Charles cut a birthday cake shaped like the 200-year-old castle before greeting well-wishers sheltering under umbrellas.
He also met TikToker Lewis Leigh, whose parents, Neil and Kerry Anne, expressed pride in their son's cancer awareness advocacy. "We are so proud he's being recognised for his hard work," Neil said. Nearby, pupils from Gwaunfarren Primary School eagerly awaited the royal visit, with 10-year-old Noah remarking, "I think he'll like the castle-it's really big and has loads of stuff inside."
Official engagements amid stormy weather
Queen Camilla joined pupils at Cyfarthfa Primary School for poetry readings, while the King officially opened the South Wales Metro Depot in Taff's Well. The facility will service a new fleet of tram-trains, marking a milestone for regional transport infrastructure.
The visit coincided with heavy rain from Storm Claudia, mirroring recent turbulence within the royal family. Earlier this month, Prince Andrew's titles and royal status were revoked amid ties to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, overshadowing a busy autumn for Charles that included a state visit by US President Donald Trump and a historic meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican.
Milestone birthday and historical context
Charles's birthday places him fifth among Britain's longest-lived monarchs, surpassing George II, who died days before turning 77 in 1760. The top four remain Elizabeth II, Victoria, George III, and Edward VIII (who abdicated in 1936).
A new portrait released by Buckingham Palace showed the King at his Sandringham estate, holding a shepherd's crook-a nod to his rural interests. The image accompanied a week of Remembrance events, capping a demanding schedule despite his health challenges.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Andrew Lewis, headteacher, Gwaunfarren Primary School, on pupil excitement
