King Charles is taking a moment to wish a very happy birthday to his oldest son, Prince William.
Today, the Prince of Wales turns 41 years old. In honor of the celebratory occasion, the monarch, 74, posted a previously unreleased snap of him and his son sharing a laugh during the coronation rehearsal, which took place back in May.
In the never-before-seen photo (taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson), Prince William appears to be helping his father adjust his gold robe worn during the ceremony in a beautiful shared moment. The caption read: “Wishing The Prince of Wales a very happy birthday today!” alongside a red balloon emoji.
During the ceremony, the royal prince (who is first in line for the throne) presented the Stole Royal and the Robe Royal to his dad. Once the Bishop of Durham placed the stole on the newly crowned monarch, Prince William helped a group of bishops place the robe on his father.
After the king was dressed, the Prince of Wales knelt and recited the Homage of Royal Blood. At the ceremony, the 41-year-old prince said, “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
This birthday tribute comes a few days after Prince William celebrated Father’s Day with his wife, Kate Middleton, 41, and their three kids. On Sunday, June 18, the Prince and Princess of Wales unveiled a new photo of the royal dad hugging his three children—Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8 and Prince Louis, 5—on social media.
In the snap (taken by professional photographer Millie Pilkington), the four of them appear to be wearing coordinating blue ensembles while sitting in front of a wooden backdrop.
Happy birthday, Prince William!
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