King Charles III (2022 - )

King Charles III was born in 1948, eldest son of the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He became Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, the traditional titles for the heir to the throne, when his mother became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. He attended her coronation. Tutored by a governess until the age of 8, he attended Cheam preparatory school in Berkshire and then Gordonstoun School in Scotland where his father had been at school. He became head boy although he has said that he did not enjoy his time at school. In 1966 he spent two terms at Geelong School in Australia and visited Papua New Guinea.

On leaving school he attended Trinity College at Cambridge University where he studied anthropology and archaeology earning a BA degree. He also attended one term at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he studied Welsh, learning enough to make his speech in Welsh during his investiture as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester at Caernarfon Castle on 1st July 1969. He became the first member of the Royal Family since George 1 to attend a British Government cabinet meeting, and expressed an interest in becoming Governor General of Australia although nothing came of this. His military career included training as a jet pilot at RAF Cranwell, and naval training at Royal Naval College Dartmouth. He qualified as a helicopter pilot joining 845 Naval Squadron operating from the commando carrier HMS Hermes, and took command of HMS Bronington a coastal minehunter.

His love life was closely followed by the World’s press, and attachments included Lady Jane Wellesley, Davina Sheffield, Princess Marie Astrid, Lady Sarah Spencer (Diana’s elder sister), Camilla Shand (later Parker-Bowles), and Amanda Knatchbull to whom he proposed. In 1977 he met Lady Diana Spencer while visiting her family home in Althorp, and they were married on 29 July 1981 in St Paul’s Cathedral. She became Princess of Wales and soon became the star attraction of the World’s press who relentlessly followed her. Following the birth of their two sons, Princes William and Harry, the marriage was in trouble and she allegedly had several liaisons. Charles resumed his liaison with Camilla Parker Bowles. Charles and Diana were divorced on 28 August 1996. Camilla became Charles’s companion and following her divorce they were married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on 9 April 2005 followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. She became the Duchess of Cornwall.

Charles’s interests include architecture, inner city renewal, environmental issues and gardening. He promoted ‘green’ environmental views and concerns about climate change long before they became accepted main stream issues, and ran an organic farming business at his country estate in Gloucestershire with its own organic Duchy brand. He founded the Prince’s Trust which helps vulnerable young people, and is president and patron of many charities and foundations. He was the eldest ever heir apparent during his mother’s 70 year reign, and became King Charles III on her death on 8th September 2022. His wife Camilla is now Queen Camilla, and his eldest son Prince William is Prince of Wales. As well as King of the United Kingdom he is Head of State of the 14 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms. He is also Head of the Commonwealth of Nations an association of 56 countries.

King Charles III's Signature

Timeline for King Charles III