King Charles gets a right royal reception ahead of 78th birthday - Geo News

King Charles was given a rapturous welcome by a crowd of excited schoolchildren during a visit to the famous BRIT School in Croydon.

The King, who turns 78 on Saturday, spent Friday carrying out a series of engagements in south London celebrating creativity, local talent and community life ahead of his birthday, which he is expected to mark privately.

His first stop was the renowned performing arts and technology school, whose former pupils include global stars Adele, Amy Winehouse, Tom Holland and RAYE.

As Charles arrived, enthusiastic teenagers gathered outside the building, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor and call out to him.

The excitement was so intense that his protection officers had to step in to keep the crowd at a safe distance as students pressed forward to greet him.

One pupil shouted, “Yes, boss!”, prompting a chuckle from the King, while another could be heard exclaiming: “King Charles, oh my days!”

The excitement continued after the royal visit, with one student proudly telling those around him that he had managed to shake the monarch’s hand. 

Another staff member jokingly warned the youngsters to stand back, prompting one boy to declare that he would “die happy” after the encounter.

Charles appeared to enjoy the warm reception, rolling down the window of his car to wave to the students as he departed.

The BRIT School has built a reputation for nurturing some of Britain's most recognisable creative talent, while also training young people for careers behind the scenes in music, theatre, film and the wider arts industry. 

Its alumni include performers, designers, technicians, producers and professionals who have gone on to shape the UK's creative industries.

The King's birthday programme also included a visit to Surrey Street Market, where he joined celebrations marking the 750th anniversary of one of Britain's oldest street markets.