King Charles celebrates 74th birthday with new role as The Ranger of Great Windsor Park
King Charles stands beside an ancient oak tree in Windsor Great Park in Windsor, Britain. Reuters
Britain's King Charles III celebrated his 74th birthday on Monday by replacing his late father as The Ranger of Great Windsor Park, a position that dates back more than four centuries.
Charles became the oldest monarch in British history when he succeeded his mother on the throne last September, and celebrated his first birthday as king in private with no plans for public engagements.
But Buckingham Palace announced that he had officially taken over as patron of the Great Park of Windsor, a job that dates back to 1559 when Queen Elizabeth I appointed Henry Neville.
The palace has revealed a new portrait of Charles next to an old oak tree in the park.
His father, Prince Philip, has held this title since 1952 when his wife became Queen Elizabeth II, succeeding her father, George VI.
Buckingham Palace said Queen Victoria was among other members of the royal family who have taken up the position which includes providing oversight and direction to the Deputy Patron of the Park and the team in the day-to-day management of one of the oldest lands in the country.
