Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history recently died at the age of 96, according to a statement by Buckingham Palace, paving the way for her eldest son Prince Charles to succeed her.
Charles Philip Arthur George, popularly known as Prince Charles III, was born on November 14, 1948, and became the heir apparent as well as the Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay in 1952. He has maintained the position ever since July 1958, making him the oldest and the longest-reigning heir apparent in British history.
Early Life
He was born in Buckingham Palace as the first grandson of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Like his father, Prince Phillip, he attended Cheam and Gordonstoun schools before continuing his education at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia.
After spending a term at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth, where he picked up the Welsh language, he was given the regal titles of Prince of Wales and other titles in 1969. Charles was elected to the House of Lords, the UK’s upper house of parliament, two years later.
Charles served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976 after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge.
Family and Personal Life
William and Harry, the second and sixth in line to the throne, were born to Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, who became the Princess of Wales, in 1981. The couple’s marriage was dissolved nearly four years after they decided to separate in late 1992.
The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, whom Charles married in 2005, and the couple resided in Clarence House, a British royal palace on The Mall in London, together. However, they are expected to move into Buckingham Palace now that he is king. Both of Charles’ sons have given him five grandkids.
Over the years, he has led a number of initiatives and humanitarian work with a particular focus on global sustainability.
He launched the Mosaic initiative in 2007, which provides youth growing up in underserved regions with mentoring programs.
He also started the Campaign for Wool in 2010 to raise awareness of the environmental advantages of wool and to open up new markets for struggling British sheep producers.
In accordance with Elizabeth’s desire that Camilla be given the title of queen consort, which is accorded to the spouse of a reigning king, Charles and Camilla, 75, are also anticipated to be crowned side by side.
