Why Prince Charles Is Celebrating His 70th Birthday Six Months Early
Now that the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is over, it's time to pay attention to a different royal: Prince Charles.
On Tuesday, the entire royal family (including the newlyweds) came together for a party celebrating Prince Charles’s 70th birthday. The event, Express explained, was a garden party hosted by the Queen at Buckingham palace. And though the event sounded lovely — and was a great excuse for us to see Harry and Meghan for the first time since the wedding — there’s one big problem: It isn’t Prince Charles’s birthday.
This was The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first engagement as a married couple and Their Royal Highnesses met people representing The Prince's Patronages at Buckingham Palace. #PrinceandPatron pic.twitter.com/BdWVyXfWye
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018
Prince Charles’s actual 70th birthday won’t come until November 14. So why then is he, along with the entire royal family, celebrating his birth a full six months early?
According to reports, the prince, and the entire royal family, are simply kicking things off with this party and will keep the celebration going all year long, because it’s a massive milestone for Charles, who will still one day likely be king.
Charles’s website explains: “The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle will attend The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace. The event will celebrate The Prince of Wales’ Patronages and Military affiliations as well as others involved in charities supported by The Prince."
Beyond the royals, more than 6,000 guests attended the garden party bash, each representing the more than 380 charities Charles supports. According to a source who spoke to The Telegraph, Charles chose to celebrate his birthday with the charities because “He wasn’t comfortable with a big event that was just about him. He felt like this would be a much better option.”
Prince Harry poked fun at the event in an otherwise heartfelt speech. "You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone. You have created an incredible body of work that has, and will continue to make such a huge difference to so many people's lives both here and around the world," he said. "With that, Ladies and Gentlemen, please can I ask you to join me in wishing The Prince of Wales a very Happy Birthday – six months ahead of his 70th! How very royal!"
The Telegraph reported that Prince Charles will likely have a quiet, more intimate celebration to mark his actual birthday in the fall. But, at least the royals will publicly be celebrating their boy Charles for the next six months in public.
