King Charles champions food poverty project on working 76th birthday

On his birthday, King Charles III was welcomed by workers at the Coronation Food Project center during his first official event.

On his 76th birthday, King Charles inaugurated a new center in south-east London. This initiative is part of his effort to provide excess food to those experiencing food insecurity.

The King is observing his birthday like a regular workday and visited Deptford to mark the first year of the Coronation Food Project, which focuses on utilizing food that might otherwise be wasted.

He was welcomed by volunteers who waved flags and cheered enthusiastically. Afterward, a group of schoolchildren sang Happy Birthday and gifted him a handmade card.

Gun salutes were fired in celebration of the monarch's birthday at Green Park close to Buckingham Palace and also at the Tower of London.

The King sat down with a bunch of school kids, discussing their lunches at school.

Up to this point, the Coronation Food Project has saved 940 tonnes of excess food, which is equivalent to approximately 2.24 million meals.

Additionally, project partners have contributed 1,900 tonnes of food, which is enough to provide 4.5 million meals.

Charities like the Felix Project and FareShare can gather food from the new center in Deptford and distribute it to assist individuals and local community organizations.

The food is sourced from locations like grocery stores or catering services. Instead of discarding surplus items that are still in good condition, it is repurposed to support individuals experiencing food insecurity.

The King took part in a "food waste festival," where dishes were prepared using ingredients that would have otherwise been discarded.

He gathered with a bunch of kids from Peckham's Rye Oak Primary School, who will gain from the new hub, and listened as they shared their favorite foods while he inquired about their lunches at school.

When asked if he planned to relax on his birthday, he replied, "Not exactly."

As our chat came to a close, he expressed, "Wishing you a joyful Christmas!"

Kids serenade King Charles with "Happy Birthday" as he marks his 76th birthday.

He launched a second location in Knowsley, Merseyside, online, expressing, "Please send my warmest regards to everyone there."

"I truly hope it significantly impacts all the incredible work they carry out."

He subsequently revealed plaques for each of the hubs.

In the coming year, three additional hubs are set to launch, supported by £15 million in funding aimed at establishing a network of as many as 10 locations throughout the UK.

Check it out: The King encounters Denzel Washington at the premiere of Gladiator II.

The King enjoyed a touch of glamour in the lead-up to his birthday by attending the premiere of Sir Ridley Scott's latest film, Gladiator II, on Wednesday.

Queen Camilla was unable to attend the screening because she is recuperating from a chest infection.

"I believe I'm recovering, but these situations always require some time," the Queen remarked during a gathering with authors nominated for the Booker Prize on Tuesday.

The King is still undergoing cancer treatment but wishes to remain dedicated to his duties, according to royal representatives.

Even though he has been king for just two years, he is already the sixth longest-living monarch in British history.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery conducted a 41-gun salute at Green Park to commemorate the King's birthday.