King Charles III smiles during the The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’.Photo:Chris Jackson Pool/Getty
Chris Jackson Pool/Getty
King Charlesis feeling the holiday spirit!
On Friday, Dec. 13, the monarch, 76, was photographed smiling and socializing as he attended his annual Crafts at Christmas event at Highgrove Gardens near Tetbury, England.
King Charles III laughs with members of the local Rock Choir during the The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’ at Highgrove Gardens on December 13, 2024.Chris Jackson Pool/Getty
Student Emily Rose Saunders told theBBCit was “really exciting” to see the King express his own passion for the crafts this year.
Additional photos showed the King shaking hands with attendees and exploring the area. He also smiled as he greeted children in Santa hats and images showed him appearing to spread Christmas cheer while decorating a tree with ornaments.
King Charles, pictured decorating a Christmas tree.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty
Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty
It was a chance for His Majesty to meet with students and alumni, as well as instructors to witness the work they have done, the goals they have achieved and hear more about their experiences while studying with The King’s Foundation.
King Charles III shakes hands with students — The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’.Chris Jackson Pool/Getty
According to Saunders, the King was “really engaged” with those who he came in contact with at his annual Crafts at Christmas event, the BBC added.
The student, who studies milliner and enjoys a technique called straw plaiting when crafting hats, thanked His Majesty and Chanel for their contributions.
“We wouldn’t be here without His Majesty, and to be able to have that support from both him and Chanel means that we are able to have this time. When else would you be able to have eight months where you can solely learn a skill?” she said.
“It’s really nice to be able to meet him and thank him for that, really.”
King Charles III speaks with merchants during the The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’.Chris Jackson Pool/Getty
King Charles, pictured smelling roasted chestnuts.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty
Paul Venn, a roasted chestnuts vendor at Crafts at Christmas, told the outlet: “When I handed him the nuts he says he loves them, but he ate so many when he was young he couldn’t eat another.”
In addition to spending time with students and staff of The King’s Foundation, His Majesty will also be spending time with his family for the holidays.
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Earlier this week, his oldest child,Prince William, 42,visited with soldiers and their families in Bulford, Wiltshire, where he revealedwhat the royals will be doing for Christmas.
“We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham. We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet, it will be noisy,” William said.
He and his wifeKate Middleton, 42, along with their three children —Prince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6 — will joinKing Charlesand the majority of the royal family at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate that has served as the traditional Christmas gathering place for the royals.
source: people.com