King Charles has helped one pensioner celebrate a birthday the man will never forget during his ‘Winter warmer’ sessions at Highgrove House – and the 83-year-old said it was ‘really something special’

For the third year running, King Charles has opened up his private residence of Highgrove House and Gardens for elderly people from the local area to enjoy some socialisation, a delicious meal, and a warm space – entirely for free.

The ‘Winter Warmer’ sessions began in 2023 and saw Charles open up Dumfries House and the Castle of Mey, alongside his main private home of Highgrove to local pensioners and vulnerable people. A recent session at Highgrove Gardens saw one man, Eoin Down, celebrate his 83rd birthday in serious style, a day that he said was “really something special”.

According to ITV, Eoin was presented with a special gift from Highgrove – a handcrafted leather keyring – and all the attendees enjoying the warm session in the cafe sang ‘Happy Birthday’ before he blew out his candle and enjoyed a delicious-looking piece of cake. “It’s something I didn’t expect,” Eoin told Good Morning Britain, “and it’s really something special.”

As well as a hot meal and a warm space, attendees can take part in activities at Highgrove
As well as a hot meal and a warm space, attendees can take part in activities at Highgrove ( 
Image:
PA)
Eoin, who hails originally from the Highlands of Scotland, looked visibly emotional as he talked about the unforgettable birthday treat at the King’s home. But Eoin wasn’t the only elderly person who seemed to enjoy their day at Highgrove, which provided them all warm space to spend time, activities aimed to encourage making friendships and combat loneliness among the elderly, and, of course, food prepared by royal chefs.

The Director of Highgrove – Constantine Innemee – told Good Morning Britain about the programme run through the King’s Foundation: “This is all about us opening this space here without any questions asked. It’s just a nice comfortable afternoon to come and join us as one of our guests.”

Highgrove House and Gardens
Charles has been opening up Highgrove Gardens for ‘Winter Warmers’ for three years ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
He has said previously, according to the King’s Foundation website, “At The King’s Foundation we aim to build sustainable communities and transform lives through education and health and wellbeing programmes, so it’s fantastic that the Winter Warmers initiative is becoming a staple in contributing to that mission.”

The programme runs every January to March and sees hot soup and drinks provided to attendees, who can try their hand at crafts like knitting, or indulge their competitive streak with a good board game.

Other attendees told Good Morning Britain how much they appreciated the warm space, which enabled them to minimise their costly heating bills at home. “Unfortunately I was one of the people that lost their heating allowance this year,” said Teresa Mary Triggs, “I’ve had to use all my savings, I also have to have care, that all has to be paid for.”