Prince Charles Celebrates 72nd Birthday

The Prince of Wales is celebrating his 72nd birthday, although COVID-19 restrictions mean there will be no ceremonial gunfire this year. 

Normally, the heir to the throne's birthday is marked with gun salutes fired in Green Park, the Tower of London and other locations around the country.

Prince Charles has been busy supporting the Queen during Remembrance week – as he does every year – and is expected to mark his personal milestone privately.

Last weekend on Remembrance Sunday, the prince laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the Queen in honour of the country’s war dead.

The eldest child of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14 1948, weighing 7lb 6oz.

He is the patron of more than 400 organisations and has close links to the Armed Forces.

In 2012, the Queen awarded him the highest rank in all three services - Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

On social media, military accounts wished Prince Charles a very happy birthday. 

Cover image: The Prince of Wales visits troops deployed on Exercise Loyal Leda 2020 (Ex LOLE20) at Royal Air Force Fairford (Picture: MOD).