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Kate Middleton and Prince William are sending birthday wishes to King Charles.
The King turned 77 on Thursday, Nov. 14, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, were among many who sent the monarch well-wishes on social media.
“Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!” the couple wrote on Instagram alongside a new image of Charles walking the gardens of his home at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
“77 today! 🎈 Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty’s Birthday,” the Royal Family posted on its official Instagram account.
The King and Queen Camilla are celebrating his birthday with a visit to South Wales. They will meet with locals at Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil to learn more about the arts and culture of the region.
King Charles’s last few birthdays have capped off some tumultuous years, from the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, to his own health issues. This year was no different as the celebration fell just a few weeks after the monarch made the difficult decision to strip his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of all his royal titles, including prince.
The announcement was made on Oct. 30, and on Nov. 3, details of the Letters Patent, a legal document expressing the will of the monarch, were published by the Crown Office in The Gazette, the U.K.’s official public record, making it official.
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The entry in The Gazette stated: “The King has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince.’ “
PEOPLE understands it was King Charles’ decision to remove Andrew’s titles and honors. He did so by using his Royal Prerogative, which allows him to manage certain royal titles and honors without involving Parliament, and with the support of members of the royal family, including Prince William.
While Andrew had previously volunteered to stop using his royal titles, Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth, told PEOPLE that the former duke had been “dragging his heels,” forcing King Charles to decide that “enough is enough.”
At the same time, Anderson said, “It must be mixed emotions for him.”
“That is why this has taken such a long time,” she adds. “It is family and monarchy, and when the lines are blurred, it’s very difficult for them. I’m just glad the late Queen is not around to see this.”
