Charles and Camilla have wished a happy birthday to the Duchess of Gloucester on her 79th birthday, as she continues her lifetime of service to the Firm

The Duchess of Gloucester has celebrated her 79th birthday, with key members of the royal family sending their well wishes(Image: PA)

King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent a special message to the Duchess of Gloucester on her 79th birthday, sharing a unique portrait of the senior working royal. Marking her birthday on Friday, the King and Queen shared an elegant photo of Birgitte on social media, wishing her the best for her birthday celebrations.

The photograph showed the Duchess dressed in a cream ensemble with a wide-brimmed hat and pearl necklace. The photo was captured during her hosting of the Not Forgotten Association garden party at Buckingham Palace in May. The birthday message featured a simple caption reading “Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Gloucester!” accompanied by a celebration emoji.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have wished a happy birthday to the Duchess of Gloucester(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

The Danish-born royal, who is married to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin Prince Richard, continues her extensive programme of royal duties as one of the senior working members of the royal family.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester – born Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen on June 20th 1946 – first met Prince Richard while studying at Cambridge University in the late 1960s, with the couple marrying on July 8th 1972 at St Andrew’s Church in Northamptonshire.

On her wedding day, Birgitte opted for a dress created by one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s favourite designers Norman Hartnell, and teamed the stunning look with a floral headpiece instead of a traditional tiara.

Just six weeks after their wedding, Prince Richard’s elder brother, Prince William of Gloucester, was killed in a flying accident, with Prince Richard then unexpectedly became heir apparent to the dukedom.

Prince Richard and Birgitte assumed their current titles as Duke and Duchess of Gloucester when Prince Richard’s father, Prince Henry, passed away in 1974. The Gloucesters have three children together – Alexander, Davina and Rose.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, has dedicated her life to supporting the Firm(Image: Getty Images)

The couple’s union has now spanned five decades, as they continue their years of service and dedication to the Crown, attending many royal engagements alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Recently, the Duchess made a notable appearance earlier this week at the Garter Day procession in Windsor, having been invested as a Royal Lady Companion to the Order of the Garter last year. She also attended Royal Ascot on Wednesday.