King Charles's Secret to Staying Fighting Fit at 77
As he celebrated his 77th birthday, King Charles has revealed the surprisingly rigorous exercise routine that helps him maintain his health and vitality. The monarch shared details of his fitness regimen during a series of engagements in Wales alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
The royal couple marked the King's birthday at Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil on Friday, where they were greeted by several Welsh celebrities including Gavin & Stacey writer Ruth Jones and Love Island star Liam Reardon.
The Royal Fitness Revelation
During the celebrations, former bricklayer and reality TV star Liam Reardon struck up a conversation with the King about fitness, even joking that Charles should join him for a workout session at a gym he was due to open the following week.
"If you ever fancy a little session, let me know, we'll have a session together," Reardon cheekily suggested, prompting laughter from the monarch.
In response, King Charles revealed his commitment to regular exercise, stating: "I try to do my exercise… twice a day." His dedication impressed Reardon, who responded with genuine admiration: "I can tell."
The exchange was particularly noteworthy given that the King is still understood to be receiving treatment for cancer, making his commitment to fitness even more remarkable.
The Mountain Goat and His Methods
Queen Camilla has previously spoken about her husband's active lifestyle, once affectionately referring to him as a 'mountain goat' for his love of walking. This nickname seems well-deserved given the King's disciplined approach to physical activity.
Reports from 2023 indicated that the monarch follows a rigorous 11-minute Royal Canadian Air Force exercise plan, known as 5BX. This efficient routine includes:
- Two minutes of light stretching
- One minute of sit-ups
- One minute of press-ups
- One minute of back lifts
- Six minutes of running on the spot
Beyond exercise, the King maintains a conscious approach to nutrition. According to trivia released by Clarence House for his 70th birthday, Charles typically eats only two meals per day, often skipping lunch entirely.
Birthday Celebrations and Business as Usual
Despite the festivities, the renowned workaholic monarch ensured it was "business as usual" during his birthday celebrations. He appeared delighted while cutting a giant Victoria sponge and buttercream cake fashioned in the shape of Cyfarthfa Castle.
The royal couple were joined by several local celebrities including actors Steve Speirs and Richard Harrington, TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, all of whom hail from Merthyr.
During their visit, the King and Queen spoke with representatives from their patronages, including The King's Trust and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, as well as local businesses and charities.
The monarch was presented with a special coin to mark The King's Trust 50th anniversary next year, designed by Trust alumna Jessica Gregorio and produced at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
Despite running over their scheduled time, both royals made time to shake hands with wellwishers who had waited up to three hours to see them.
A Full Day of Royal Duties
The birthday celebrations formed part of a packed schedule for the King, who earlier on Friday had toured the South Wales Metro Depot a few miles north-west of Cardiff. His visit marked a "major milestone" for the transport project nicknamed the 'Welsh tube', which is electrifying and upgrading the rail network across South Wales.
Despite heavy rain, the King appeared in high spirits, waving at schoolchildren as he drove the tram-train and joking that depot staff "deserved a whisky" after the official opening.
The King's commitment to maintaining his fitness regimen while continuing his royal duties and undergoing cancer treatment demonstrates remarkable dedication to both his personal health and public service as he enters his 78th year.
