Photo:Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Williamis ringing in his birthday!
The Prince of Wales, whoturned 41 on Wednesday, had his big day marked with a chorus of bells at Westminster Abbey in London — in a rare gesture limited to areduced number of royal family members due to a change in recent years.
Prince William had the Westminster Abbey bells rung for his birthday back in 2019.
Although Westminster Abbey was known for ringing its bells to celebrate the birthdays of numerous senior members of the royal family, the tradition has changed amid financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before 2020, the bells marked the birthdays of 12 royals.Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and their four children — then now-King Charles,Princess Anne,Prince AndrewandPrince Edward— all receive the honor, as did Charles' wife, Camilla. Prince William,Kate Middletonand their kids —Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis— completed the list.
However, when Westminster Abbey announced their bell-ringing schedule for 2022, it was revealed that the bells would only mark the birthdays of Queen Elizabeth and Charles.
The Abbey — where Kate married William in 2011 — shared a video at the time of the bells ringing on Twitter. “The Abbey bells are ringing to celebrate the birthday of The Princess of Wales,” officialstweetedwith a red balloon emoji, sharing footage of the music and the hashtag#HappyBirthdayHRH.
According to Westminster Abbey’s website, the bell tradition for the royal family’s birthdays will continue with Camilla, who is stated toreceive the honor next for her birthdayon July 17.
The bells will also ring for King Charles on his birthday on November 14 as well as for his Accession Day on September 8, which will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death.
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On Wednesday, King Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75,wished Prince William a very happy birthdaywith a never-before-seen photo.
“Wishing The Prince of Wales a very happy birthday today!“read the caption on the royal family’s Instagram post, with a playful touch added in the form of a balloon emoji.
source: people.com
