by Living like God in France? Nothing for the King of England!
On Tuesday (14 November), King Charles celebrates his 75th birthday – his first as a crowned monarch. But instead of pomp and splendor, HE plans privacy. A real super party? After that, he no longer feels like…
He starts the day like any other. And like EVERYONE! Because there is also a “Normal Otto” in the king. According to palace sources, he is considered a creature of habit, getting up every morning at 7am and doing his morning exercises.
With feet on the ground! King Charles wants to use his remaining years on the throne productively, do good and set an example with his commitment (including environmental protection). His role as monarch “reinvigorated” him, friends say. And for matters of state, he sets aside stress about his son, Prince Harry
FIRST GYM, THEN TOAST!
These are the same “Royal Canadian Air Force” exercises (designed for pilots to stay in shape anywhere in the world) that also kept Charles’s father, Prince Philip (†99), in good shape well into his 80s. years!
The program is called “5BX” (stands for “Five Basic Exercises”). It’s an eleven-minute workout that consists of core push-ups, sit-ups, leg raises, push-ups and running in place.
Always active! During his forays into nature, the king leaves most of his peers behind when it comes to fitness
Three years ago, his wife Camilla (76) said in a BBC radio interview: “He’s probably the fittest man I know at his age. He runs and runs and runs… like a mountain goat – he leaves everyone behind!”
For a workaholic like him, it’s no wonder Charles has suffered from chronic back pain for years: the king regularly works 12 to 14 hour days.
In the “18th Century Room” of Buckingham Palace, King Charles tirelessly processes correspondence from his red “Dispatched Box” – including highly confidential documents from government, parliament and his private secretary
He is considered very focused, disciplined and almost celibate. A Daily Mail source: “Personally, he leads a pretty simple life.”
Your real breakfast? Eggs and toast with honey (as opposed to the famous jam sandwich of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, †96). Charles avoided lunch breaks during his decades as heir to the throne – and he didn’t change that routine as king.
Only at 5pm sharp do we have a cup of tea, a sandwich and their beloved “Welsh cakes” (Welsh biscuits with dried fruit), which are baked on a hot plate.
Even for dinner there is nothing extravagant about the palace. There are often fries and also a quick omelet. Because the king has no time for carousing on the couch – he often devotes himself to writing work until late at night.
How and where does Charles find relaxation?
He is considered a multifaceted music lover: from Wagner (1813-1883) to Leonard Cohen (†82) to Bob Marley (†36)! He has also dedicated himself to watercolor painting for decades. But what makes your heart sing like nothing else is time in nature.
King Charles is a passionate artist and finds inspiration for his watercolor works in the midst of nature
He is also happy to be accompanied by Queen Camilla. Whether he is walking his dogs, trimming hedges at home or working on his land.
The royal couple is considered a well-coordinated team, but at the same time they give each other space. Since 1994, Camilla has owned her own country estate, “Ray Mill House”, where she to this day regularly spends time alone or with friends.
Love with a wow factor! Camilla and Charles with Beth, one of the Queen’s two animal welfare dogs
Insiders see this as a “sensible and pragmatic approach” to the enormous pressures of real life. Particularly after trips together where the pair are together 24 hours a day, there are often two limos waiting when they return so everyone can retreat to their property for a break.
Since 1994, Camilla has made her Ray Mill House in Wiltshire her private oasis. Here she immerses herself in gardening, enjoys the relaxed company of friends and time with her dogs
And even when the pair visit their Scottish estate in Birkhall together, they each like to retreat to a different wing to read. “It may not be for everyone, but this time apart is really good for both of us,” said a confidant. “They’re doing better for it.”
Occasional distance creates space for closeness – and so it is Queen Camilla who protects King Charles at all times.
King Charles and Queen Camilla in the garden of their Scottish country estate at Birkhall. Both are extremely close to nature and enjoy long walks – but also moments of retreat in which they each read a book on their own.
How Charles celebrates
The king can’t do this with just toasts and no fanfare – even if he doesn’t celebrate at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. Instead, Charles is hosting a tea party with live music early Monday afternoon in the “Orchard Room” of his private residence, Highgrove – overlooking his beloved gardens.
Guests to the tea party: guests from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset: “neighbors”, who are also celebrating their 75th birthday this year, rather than the aristocratic elite! The monarch wants to welcome committed personalities “who must be rewarded for their good deeds in their local communities”. Your objective? To celebrate charity!
The gardens at his private estate, Highgrove, are King Charles’ pride and joy
On her special day, Tuesday, an evening banquet with immediate family and closest friends will take place at Clarence House (London). An inner circle around the king, to which King Charles’ son Harry and his wife Meghan no longer belong.
Trust has been destroyed, the injuries – on both sides – are too painful for any rapprochement to be possible. A chance for an anniversary reconciliation? Given away!
Harry broke with his family over his wife Meghan. Although the American actress has been thriving in her new California home since “Megxit” in 2020, Harry often seems grumpy
