Charles III

Overview

King Charles III, born Charles Philip Arthur George on November 14, 1948, is the current monarch of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles has had a life marked by significant milestones, from his early education and military service to his extensive charitable work and eventual accession to the throne.

Main Milestones

Birth

November 14, 1948

Charles Philip Arthur George was born at Buckingham Palace in London during the reign of his maternal grandfather, King George VI. He was the first child of Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (later Queen Elizabeth II), and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and was delivered by Caesarean section.

Heir Apparent

1952

Following the death of his grandfather, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, Charles's mother acceded to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II, making Charles the heir apparent at the age of three. He automatically assumed the traditional titles of Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay among others.

Prince of Wales

1958

Charles was officially made the Prince of Wales in 1958, a title traditionally given to the eldest son of the British monarch. His investiture took place in 1969. As Prince of Wales, he undertook many public engagements and charity work, including the establishment of The Prince's Trust in 1976.

Military Career

1971-1976

Charles served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, learning to fly jet planes and commanding a navy ship. This period marked his involvement in the British armed forces, a tradition common among members of the royal family.

Marriage to Diana Spencer

1981-1996

In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, and they had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The marriage ended in divorce in 1996, following well-publicised extramarital affairs and the subsequent death of Diana in a car crash in 1997.

Marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles

2005

Charles married his long-term partner, Camilla Parker Bowles, who became the Duchess of Cornwall and later Queen Consort following his accession to the throne.

Accession to the Throne

September 8, 2022

Charles became King Charles III following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At 73 years old, he was the oldest person to assume the British throne. He also became the head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Coronation

May 6, 2023

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony that was designed to be simpler and more representative of modern Britain, including elements from different faiths and community groups.

Cancer Diagnosis

February 5, 2024

It was announced by Buckingham Palace that King Charles III had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, which temporarily suspended some of his planned public engagements.