New portrait released to mark King Charles' 77th birthday

The royal family has celebrated King Charles' 77th birthday by releasing a photo of the monarch relaxing at his Sandringham estate.

The image and accompanying post was released overnight via The Royal Family's official Instagram page.

"77 today!" the post read. "Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty's Birthday."

Watch the video above.

But while the King was seen relaxing in the picture, there was no time for him to put his feet up on the day, with Charles undertaking a number of official engagements in Wales.

First on the agenda was a visit to Taff's Well Transport Depot, where the King took the controls of a tram-train within the depot.

He also unveiled a plaque to officially open the South Wales Metro Depot and spoke to waiting school children during a walkabout outside, despite the dreary weather.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla travelled to Cyfarthfa Primary School to listen to children read poetry.

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After their solo undertakings, the King and Queen reunited at Cyfarthfa Castle for a double celebration; a reception marking the castle's 200th anniversary and the King's birthday.

The King was presented with a cake shaped like the castle, and used a large knife to slice into it while well-wishers looked on.

When departing the castle, the King again greeted royal fans outside who had stood in the bleak weather in the hope of catching a glimpse of the monarch.

The Prince and Princess of Wales took to their official Instagram page to wish the King a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday to His Majesty The King!" they wrote on their Instagram Story alongside a screenshot of The Royal Family's post.

There has been no public marking of the King's birthday from his younger son, Prince Harry, who lives in the US with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their two children.

This was the second birthday the King has celebrated since he was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024.

He continues to undergo weekly treatment for the unspecified form of the disease, with Buckingham Palace rarely releasing details of his treatment or condition.

It has been a difficult two weeks for the King, who initiated a formal process to remove the "style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew" following continued allegations surrounding his involvement with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sexual assault victim Virginia Giuffre.

In the same statement, it was announced that Andrew had been served formal notice to surrender the lease on his home of more than 20 years, Royal Lodge, move to alternative private accommodation, thought to be on the King's private Sandringham estate.

Andrew has always strenuously denied the allegations made against him.

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