King Charles begins 78th birthday celebrations
By Tolulope Oke
King Charles III has begun celebrating his 78th birthday ahead of the official date with a special visit to south London, where he was treated to a birthday cake and reunited with renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The British monarch, who turns 78 on Saturday, November 14, visited Croydon on Friday, making stops at the historic Surrey Street Market and The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology.
At Surrey Street Market, the King joined traders and visitors to mark its 750th anniversary, receiving a warm welcome from members of the public who gathered to see him.
The occasion also featured a special birthday surprise, with Charles invited to cut a cake celebrating both his forthcoming birthday and the market’s historic milestone.
Decorated with a crown, Union Jack flags and the inscription, “Happy Birthday, Your Majesty”, the cake provided one of the highlights of the visit.
A rendition of Happy Birthday was also performed for the monarch, who acknowledged the crowd with a wave and a thank you.
Surrey Street Market dates back to 1276, when King Edward I granted the first royal charter allowing a market in Croydon. It is regarded as one of the oldest known street markets in the United Kingdom.
Charles’s visit was particularly significant as it marked the first visit by a reigning British monarch to the borough since his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, visited Croydon in July 2002 during her Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The King’s engagements continued at The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where he watched a dance performance and interacted with students and staff.
He also met Andrew Lloyd Webber, the celebrated composer behind popular musical productions including *The Phantom of the Opera*, *Cats* and *Evita*.
The meeting reflected the longstanding relationship between the composer and the monarch. Lloyd Webber composed the official coronation anthem, *Make a Joyful Noise*, which was performed during Charles’s coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023.
The composer was also appointed a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter in 2024.
Meanwhile, the King’s birthday celebrations will extend to the music industry, with a special appearance alongside legendary British singer Elton John on his radio programme, *Rocket Hour*.
The special episode, scheduled to premiere on Saturday, will feature a conversation recorded last month in which the two discuss the influence of music and the contribution of artists to The King’s Trust over the past five decades.
The accompanying playlist will feature songs from musicians who have supported the charity over the years, including British singers Raye and Skye Newman.
Born on November 14, 1948, Charles has continued the tradition of celebrating both his actual birthday and an official royal birthday since becoming King in 2022.
The official celebration takes place in June through the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, a military parade featuring members of the Royal Family and a display by the Royal Air Force.
The June celebration follows a longstanding royal tradition, with the timing chosen partly because of the likelihood of more favourable summer weather.