King celebrates birthday with new ranger role
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, 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-today 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, is marking his first birthday as King, after leading the nation at the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday.