King Charles Has Another Royal First After Becoming Monarch — Followed by a Rousing Reception

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Isabel Infantes - WPA Pool/Getty

King Charles IIIis busier than ever!

Charles did the honors of distributing medals in recognition of exemplary service to the U.K., marking the first time he’s conducted the special ceremony since becoming King in September following the death of his mother,Queen Elizabeth II.

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The monarch then traveled to London, where he held a reception celebrating small and medium-sized businesses. King Charles met and mingled with business professionals from around the U.K., learning more about their important contributions to local economies. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy defines small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as operations with less than 250 employees and under $52 million in turnover. Three-fifths of employees in the U.K. work for SMEs, which have weathered tough times amid the coronavirus pandemic.

At the Buckingham Palace festivities, King Charles spoke with business leaders who have benefitted from the support of the Prince’s Trust. Charles established the charity in 1976 to provide disadvantaged youth with the resources they need to reach their full potential. The Prince’s Trust has since supported more than 90,000 young people through its Enterprise Programme, established in 1983.

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It’s been a busy week for the King, who turned 74 on Monday. In correlation with the special occasion, the palace announced that Charles has officially taken over a title and post from his late father,Prince Philip, as he becomes the Park Ranger of Windsor Great Park.

To mark the new role (and his first birthday as King!), Charles was photographed in the glowing autumnal light of an ancient oak in the park.

King Charles in Windsor Great Park.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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Charles, who has already taken over running Sandringham estate in Norfolk, will put his longtime conservation and environmental interests to work in the role. The Great Park is home to a collection of veteran and ancient oak and beech trees. In 1979,Prince Philipreintroduced red deer to the Deer Park and, in 2012, a row of young native oaks — called Ranger’s Avenue — was planted.

source: people.com