King Charles is hosting a private reception at Buckingham Palace this afternoon for approximately 400 guests from his Royal Navy days, with an aide claiming His Majesty will "share a few salty tales".
The gathering includes former shipmates and their partners from nine vessels where the King served during his naval career.
The event, which was personally requested by His Majesty and is being privately funded, brings together colleagues from HMS Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
Fellow aviators from 845 Naval Air Squadron and the Fleet Air Arm are also attending.
King Charles shares 'salty tales' with old friends at heartwarming reunion.
Getty
Representatives from several naval organisations linked to the King's patronages will be present at the reception.
These include a contingent from HMY Britannia and representatives from The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers.
An aide to The King told GB News: "His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane."
The aide added: "He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all."
King Charles wearing a cap given to him by the US Navy in 1980.
PA
The royal aide revealed that the reception comes at a significant time, with the approach of the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust.
The charity was originally established using His Majesty's £7,400 severance payment from the Royal Navy.
"As we approach the 50th Anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service," the aide said.
The connection highlights how the King's naval service continues to influence his charitable work decades later.
King Charles on board the minesweeper HMS Bronington in 1976.
PA
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King Charles at the Royal Naval Air Station in 1975.
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The afternoon reception marks a rare opportunity for the King to reconnect with those who served alongside him during his five-year naval career from 1971 to 1976.
His time in the Royal Navy saw him progress from acting sub-lieutenant to lieutenant-commander, serving on multiple vessels and qualifying as a helicopter pilot.
The privately funded nature of today's gathering underscores its personal significance to the King, who has maintained close ties with many of his former colleagues over the decades.
The event celebrates not only shared naval experiences but also the enduring bonds formed during his service years.
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