The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
King becomes new park ranger on 74th birthday
The King has followed in his father the Duke of Edinburgh’s footsteps by becoming Ranger of Windsor Great Park.
The news was announced on Charles’ 74th birthday yesterday, and a new photograph of the monarch leaning in contemplation against an ancient oak tree was released to mark the occasion.
Charles, pictured in the bright autumn sunshine in Windsor Great Park, is shown in a tweed blazer, tie and corduroy trousers, holding a walking stick and looking into the distance.
Philip was the park’s longest serving ranger, and his eldest son’s appointment comes 70 years after the duke took on the post in 1952, holding it for 69 years until his death in 2021.
The duke took a very active role in overseeing the parkland and was fundamental to its upkeep, from designing gardens to introducing red deer in 1979.
As the new ranger, the King – a passionate gardener – will offer oversight and guidance to the deputy ranger and his team in the day-to-day stewardship of one of the country’s oldest landed estates.
The role traces its roots back to 1559 when Sir Henry Neville was appointed ranger during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Charles, who acceded to the throne just two months ago, was marking his first birthday as King.
He spent the day privately with no public engagements, but worked on his famous red box, dealing with his official documents such as Cabinet and State papers.
Paul Sedgwick, the Crown Estate’s managing director, rural and deputy ranger of Windsor Great Park, said: “Windsor has a wonderful heritage with many precious natural habitats.
“His Majesty’s passion and commitment to the natural world will be invaluable as we seek to become a centre of excellence for environmental best practice, preserving and enhancing the Great Park for generations to come.”
More than five million people visit Windsor Great Park, which is free to enter, each year.
The King’s birthday was marked by the Band of the Household Cavalry performing Happy Birthday during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and gun salutes across the capital.