King Charles Smiles as He Gets Into the Holiday Spirit

King Charles is 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.

The King’s Foundation was started by His Majesty in 1990 when he was the Prince of Wales. 

The organization helps approximately 15,000 students annually, partially by helping them build practical skills, according to the official website.

Student Emily Rose Saunders told the BBC it 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.

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.

“Inspired by our Royal Founding President, King Charles III, our vision is a world where we live in harmony with nature to improve the wellbeing of people, places and the planet,” per a statement on The King’s Foundation’s official website.

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.”

During his visit, the King also listened to songs performed by the local Rock Choir.

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 newsletter to 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 revealed what 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 wife Kate Middleton, 42, along with their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 — will join King Charles and the majority of the royal family at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate that has served as the traditional Christmas gathering place for the royals.