Buckingham Palace releases new picture as Charles handed special role

Buckingham Palace has released a new picture to mark the King’s birthday (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Buckingham Palace released a new picture to mark the 74th birthday of King Charles – his first since he acceded to the throne in September. In the snap by photographer Chris Jackson, the monarch can be seen lying with his back on an ancient oak tree at Windsor Great Park. The Palace also announced Charles has officially become the Ranger of The Great Park.The monarch took on the role 70 years after his father Prince Philip was appointed to this post, which saw him overseeing and guiding the Deputy Ranger and his team in the day-to-day stewardship of Windsor Great Park. The roots of this role can be traced back to 1559, when Queen Elizabeth I appointed to the post Sir Henry Neville. Another illustrious holder of this title was the King’s grandfather, King George VI. Paul Sedwig, The Crown Estate’s Managing Director, Rural and Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park praised Charles for his “commitment to the natural world” following the announcement. He said: “We are honoured to have His Majesty as Ranger of Windsor Great Park, continuing a long tradition of the Sovereign and members of the Royal Family holding this role. “Windsor has a wonderful heritage with many precious natural habitats. His Majesty’s passion and commitment to the natural world will be invaluable as we seek to become a centre of excellence for environmental best practice, preserving and enhancing the Great Park for generations to come.” MORE TO FOLLOW