King Charles III ascended the throne on 8 September 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At the age of 73, he is the oldest person to assume the British monarchy in history. This is the story of the new King, his life in waiting, and his vision for the future.
Early Life & Education
Charles Philip Arthur George was born on 14 November 1948 at Buckingham Palace as the first child of then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was third in line to succeed his grandfather, King George VI. Charles had a somewhat lonely childhood, spending large parts of it apart from his parents who were often away on official duties. He was cared for by nannies and governesses but found solace in his deep love of nature.
The young prince received his early schooling from a governess at Buckingham Palace before attending Hill House School in London at age 8. He later studied at Cheam and Gordonstoun boarding schools in Scotland, where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. At Cambridge University from 1967-1970, he graduated with a 2:2 Bachelor of Arts degree in history, anthropology and archaeology.
Military Service & The Prince's Trust
Prince Charles served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in the 1970s. His military career began in 1971 when he enrolled at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell to train as a jet pilot. However, he ultimately chose to follow in his father's footsteps in the Navy. After sea trials aboard the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, he trained as a helicopter pilot at RNAS Yeovilton. In 1974, Charles completed his full-time naval service and became Captain of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington.
His formative years in the forces shaped the prince's public image and interests. Intensely focused on his future role, Charles created The Prince's Trust in 1976 which remains one of his most important legacies. Over the past 45 years, the youth charity has helped a million young people and offered training, mentorship and funds to foster opportunities.
A Turbulent Royal Life & Marriage to Princess Diana
In 1981, the 32-year-old Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer. Their fairytale wedding at St Paul's Cathedral was watched by a global TV audience of 750 million. Over the next few years, the couple had two sons: Prince William (born 1982) and Prince Harry (born 1984). But their marriage soon encountered problems stemming from incompatibility, extramarital affairs and intense public scrutiny.
The prince's relationship with Diana unravelled through the 1980s and 90s, becoming arguably the monarchy's greatest crisis in decades. Both Charles and Diana's indiscretions were exposed through tell-all books and secretly recorded tapes. Royal scandals over the couple's personal failings, alongside revelations of infidelity with Camilla Parker Bowles, made the royals appear out of touch.
In 1992, Prime Minister John Major controversially announced Charles and Diana's "amicable separation" and in 1996 their divorce was finalised. Princess Diana's tragic death in a Paris car crash in 1997 pitched the monarchy into an unprecedented period of mourning and evaluation. A grieving public initially viewed the royals as cold and uncaring; Charles was falsely accused of orchestrating divorce and death threats against Diana. The Queen referred to 1992 as the family's "annus horribilis".
Public Service, Interests & Future Plans
As heir apparent, Prince Charles represented the Queen all across the British Commonwealth since the 1960s. He set a record for the most countries visited by a royal, undertaking over 600 official visits to more than 143 states. Charles developed a deep commitment to tackling issues like sustainability, climate change, architecture, integrated health and education. He founded charities to support these causes like The Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation (est. 1979).
Charles also maintained a private interest in pursuing more controversial issues, blending science and alternative medicine. In 2004 he helped create Duchy Originals which markets organic food products and pioneered efforts to promote sustainable development. While criticized as an unconventional royal interfering in politics, the prince took pride in being a leader who could shape public debate.
On April 9, 2005, Charles married his long-time partner Camilla Parker Bowles in Windsor. Their civil wedding was widely celebrated as a love story with a happy ending. Camilla took the title of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and slowly rebuilt public affection. Charles has described her as his "darling wife" with unwavering loyalty and devotion. Camilla is also involved with various royal charities and represents the monarchy officially when required.
With his son William's marriage to Catherine Middleton in 2011, Charles became a grandfather to their three children: Prince George (born 2013), Princess Charlotte (2015), and Prince Louis (2018). He has spoken proudly of how they have introduced him to experiences a traditional royal would not usually enjoy - like picking up their toys and making funny faces.
At 73, Charles takes the throne as one of the best-prepared monarchs in history. And brings a lifetime of wisdom, experience and convictions to the throne, expecting to have a far more active and engaged reign, albeit with less divine right than his mother. As he charts the monarchy's path forward, his focus remains on service, addition and safeguarding core values for generations to come.
In his first TV broadcast as King, Charles pledged to uphold the legacy of Elizabeth's rule and continue to serve the public with "loyalty, respect and love". He intends to bring the monarchy into the 21st century as a reformed institution redefining its role in society. In a rare, personal message Charles paid tribute to his "darling mama" and vowed to carry on her work with pride:
"Queen Elizabeth was a life well-lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."
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