King Charles’ 75th birthday: Harry’s lost invite and festivities on tap
King Charles III is turning 75 on Tuesday — with celebrations fit for a king already underway.
The monarch was born on Nov. 14, 1948, a year after the wedding of his parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
A bash with friends and family at Clarence House in London is on tap. The guest list includes his eldest son, Prince William, 41; his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, 41; and his wife, Queen Camilla, 76, along with other members of the royal family.
Reports swirled last week that his estranged son, Prince Harry, 39, and his wife, Meghan Markle, 42, declined an invite to the party.
The Sunday Times reported the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will skip it.
However, Harry’s rep told The Messenger on Monday: “In response to UK media headlines, there has been no contact regarding an invitation to His Majesty’s upcoming birthday.”
“It is disappointing the Sunday Times has misreported this story,” the rep added.
An unidentified royal source also told the publication that Buckingham Palace “never reached out” to the Invictus Games founder.
The “Suits” star and the Duke took a step back as senior members of the Windsor clan in 2020.
They decamped to Montecito, Calif., and have settled into their new life away from the royals.
It’s unclear if the Sussexes will mark the milestone birthday of Charles, whose schedule is full of festivities.
Early birthday party
Charles kicked off his birthday celebrations on Monday with a party hosted by the Prince’s Foundation at his residence, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
The monarch sipped on tea as he mingled with guests who were invited because of the good they do in the community. Many in attendance also turned 75 this year.
A local rock choir serenaded Charles before he cut a multi-layer cake with a crown and “75” on it.
“It’s always fun to have a look,” Charles joked as he inspected the cake’s filling. “Who can I donate it to? Can we get rid of it? We need to give you doggie bags.”
Big Issue magazine cover to launch food project
Charles will grace the cover of Big Issue, a magazine usually sold by homeless people, for his 75th birthday with a portrait taken by British fashion photographer Rankin.
Inside the magazine, Charles discusses his Coronation Food Project, which he’s launching Tuesday to continue his decades-long mission to feed the hungry.
“Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste — and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one,” Charles writes.
“It is my great hope that this Coronation Food Project will find practical ways to do just that — rescuing more surplus food, and distributing it to those who need it most,” he added.
Charles and Camilla to host reception
After the Coronation Food Project launch, the king and queen will host a reception at Buckingham Palace.
National Health Service nurses and midwives will be among the attendees.
After that, Charles will enjoy an intimate dinner with close family members — excluding Harry and Meghan.
