King Charles misses Butlin's holiday

King Charles is 78 years old, and he has never been to Butlin's. A friend of the monarch told the Sunday Times that the King considers the missed family holiday his biggest regret. The friend said Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, tried repeatedly to convince their parents to take them to the resort when they were children.

The friend described how the King and Princess Anne pleaded with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to allow them to go on a trip to Minehead. According to the friend, the late Queen would often respond that the family did not think they could manage the trip. The King still laughs about the disappointment of never making it to the holiday chain as a child.

The story emerged the day after the King celebrated his actual birthday on Saturday, November 14. He has spent his life traveling to destinations around the world, yet the budget holiday resort remains on his bucket list. The friend noted that the King shares this anecdote whenever he discusses things he has not yet done.

Butlin's has responded to the story with a birthday wish and an invitation. A spokesperson for the company said they would like to help the King make his childhood wish come true. The resort chain is celebrating its 90th year, and the spokesperson noted that Queen Elizabeth II visited Butlin's in 1963. The company said it would be delighted to invite the King and his family to one of their resorts.

There are currently only three Butlin's locations left in the United Kingdom. The resort in Minehead is the largest of the remaining sites. The other two locations are in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, and Skegness, Lincolnshire.

The King technically has two birthdays each year. His official birthday is marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London in June. This tradition dates back to 1748 and became an annual event during the reign of King George III in 1760. The ceremony was moved to June because King Edward VII found November too cold for outdoor activities.

When Prince William becomes King, he may have only one birthday celebration. His birthday falls in June, which aligns with the traditional date for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.