King Charles in Stormy Wales on His 77th Birthday

Accompanied by Queen Camilla, he visited Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, where he met with local cultural figures, including Ruth Jones, star of the BBC comedy "Gavin & Stacey."

At a reception, the King cut a birthday cake shaped like a 200-year-old castle and later met people sheltering under umbrellas to escape Storm Claudia.

Earlier, Buckingham Palace released a new photograph of the King, showing him holding a shepherd's staff at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

During his visit to Cyfarthfa Castle, he met with people from the local community involved in arts and culture.

Ruth Jones told the King about writing a new TV comedy about a middle-aged couple who "get together second time around". But not Gavin and Stacey, she said.

The King met TikToker Lewis Leigh, whose parents Neil and Kerry Anne from Merthyr Tydfil said they were feeling "really proud" of their son.

"We are so proud that he will be recognised for some of the hard work he's done with cancer awareness and school visits," said Neil.

Love Island star Liam Reardon joked with King about going to the gym.

"I'm opening a gym next week, so if you fancy a little session, let me know," said Reardon.

Andrew Lewis, head teacher at Gwaunfarren Primary School, said pupils were "super excited" to see the visit.

"We broke the news at the start of the week. It's a once in a lifetime experience for our children."

Noah, aged 10, said about the King's visit: "I think he'll like the castle, it's really big and it has loads of stuff inside."

The King's visit coincided with heavy rain caused by Storm Claudia.

The past few weeks have also been turbulent for the royal family, as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his title and status as Prince Charles due to his links to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The scandal has also overshadowed the King's busy autumn schedule, which includes a state visit by US President Donald Trump, the King's historic meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican, and this week's annual commemoration events.

Although it is only the third year of his reign, 77-year-old Charles is now the fifth longest-living British monarch.

He recently surpassed George II, who died in 1760, just days before his 77th birthday.

The longest-living monarchs were Elizabeth II, Victoria, George III, and Edward VIII – who abdicated in 1936.