The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent a public birthday message to King Charles on his 78th birthday. The monarch is marking the occasion privately, but Prince William shared a happy birthday wish for his father on the couple's Instagram story.
Alongside a photograph of King Charles with Sir Elton John, posted by Buckingham Palace this morning, William and Catherine wrote: "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!"
Royal Family's official message
It is not known whether the couple will see the monarch today for his birthday. If not, they are likely to have sent very warm birthday wishes.
The couple's public message comes after the official Royal Family Instagram account also wished the King a happy birthday. That post read: "Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King! Tune in to a special edition of @EltonJohn's Rocket Hour to celebrate 50 years of @KingsTrust, from 9 am GMT today on @AppleMusic."
Special podcast episode
The Palace marked the King's birthday with a picture of the monarch and Sir Elton because the King has recorded a special episode of Sir Elton John's podcast, Rocket Hour. This episode is airing today on the monarch's birthday.
In the chat, the King and Elton talk about music's key role in the work of The King's Trust. Charles told Sir Elton: "We and the Trust are definitely still standing."
Elton then joked: "I'm still sitting now, though."
The King joked: "With occasional bits dropping off here and there. I know this is a terrible problem as we get older."
Prince Harry's absence
While Prince William and Princess Catherine have publicly wished the King a happy birthday, the monarch's youngest son, Prince Harry, hasn't. It is believed Harry would have sent private birthday greetings to his father.
It is believed that while the King and William see each other often, the relationship between Harry and His Majesty remains tense. This is despite the fact that they last saw each other in July.
It is understood that the monarch has not seen his youngest son since he relocated back to Britain in August, six years after quitting royal life.
