Charles III (born Charles Philip Arthur George on 14 November 1948) is the current King of the United Kingdom. He also serves as King for 14 other countries, known as Commonwealth realms, since 2022.

Charles was born at Buckingham Palace when his grandfather, King George VI, was king. He became the heir apparent (the person next in line to the throne) in 1952 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, became Queen. He was given the title Prince of Wales in 1958, and his official ceremony, called an investiture, happened in 1969.

He went to schools like Cheam School and Gordonstoun, and also spent time studying in Australia. After earning a history degree from the University of Cambridge, Charles served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976.

In 1981, he married Lady Diana Spencer, and they had two sons, William and Harry. Charles and Diana later divorced in 1996. In 2005, Charles married his long-term partner, Camilla Parker Bowles.

As Prince of Wales, Charles took on many official duties for his mother. He started the Prince's Trust in 1976, which helps young people. He also supported many other charities, focusing on things like protecting old buildings, caring for the environment, and promoting organic farming.

Charles became king on 8 September 2022, after his mother passed away. At 73 years old, he became the oldest person to become a British monarch. His official crowning ceremony, known as the coronation, took place at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023.

Early Life and Education

Christening of Charles (centre, wearing the royal christening gown) in 1948 with his parents and grandparents.

Charles was born on 14 November 1948. He was the first child of Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (who later became Queen Elizabeth II) and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He has three younger siblings: Anne (born 1950), Andrew (born 1960), and Edward (born 1964). He was christened "Charles Philip Arthur George" in December 1948.

When his grandfather, King George VI, died in 1952, Charles's mother became Queen Elizabeth II. This made Charles the immediate heir apparent. He also received several traditional titles, such as Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay. The next year, Charles attended his mother's coronation at Westminster Abbey.

Charles was the first heir to the throne to attend school instead of being taught by a private tutor at home. He started at Hill House School in London in 1956. He then went to Cheam School from 1958, and later to Gordonstoun in Scotland in 1962.

With his parents and sister Anne in October 1957.

In 1966, Charles spent two terms studying in Australia at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School. He later said this was the most enjoyable part of his education. He finished school in 1967 with good grades in history and French.

Breaking royal tradition, Charles went straight to university after school. In October 1967, he started at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied archaeology, anthropology, and history. He also spent a term studying Welsh history and language at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth. In June 1970, Charles became the first British heir to earn a university degree.

Prince of Wales: His Role and Duties

Charles was given the title Prince of Wales on 26 July 1958. His official ceremony, or investiture, took place on 1 July 1969 at Caernarfon Castle. This event was shown on television for everyone to see.

As Prince of Wales, Charles began to take on more public duties. He founded the Prince's Trust in 1976. This charity helps young people aged 11 to 30 to get jobs, training, or start their own businesses. He also traveled to different countries, including the United States in 1981.

Military Training and Career

Charles served in both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy. During his time at Cambridge University, he learned to fly planes and earned his RAF wings in 1971.

(Front to back) HMS Norfolk, London, and Antrim in the English Channel in December 1971. Charles served on the Norfolk.

After his RAF training, Charles joined the Royal Navy in 1971. He served on several ships, including the destroyer HMS Norfolk and the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. He also became a helicopter pilot in 1974. His last 10 months of active service were spent commanding a coastal minehunter ship, HMS Bronington, starting in 1976.

Marriages and Family

Photograph by Allan Warren, 1972.

In his younger years, Charles was linked to several women. In 1981, he married Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral. This was a very big event, watched by many people around the world.

With Diana during their visit to Uluru in Australia, March 1983.

Charles and Diana had two sons: William, born in 1982, and Harry, born in 1984. The family lived at Kensington Palace and Highgrove House. After some time, Charles and Diana decided to separate and later divorced in 1996. Diana passed away in a car crash in 1997.

With Camilla in Jamaica, March 2008.

On 10 February 2005, it was announced that Charles would marry Camilla Parker Bowles. Their wedding took place on 9 April 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a religious blessing at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Official Duties as Prince of Wales

With Harichand Megha Dalaya at Amul, in Anand, Gujarat, December 1980.

Charles began his public duties in 1965. As Prince of Wales, he carried out many official tasks for the Queen. Between 2002 and 2022, he completed over 10,000 engagements. He often visited Wales and represented his mother at important events, like the independence celebrations in Fiji (1970) and Zimbabwe (1980).

Charles's ninth tour of New Zealand in 2015.

In 2010, he represented the Queen at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. In 2015, Charles and Camilla made an important trip to the Republic of Ireland, which helped improve relations between Britain and Ireland. During this trip, Charles shook hands with Gerry Adams, a former leader of Sinn Féin, which was seen as a very significant moment.

With Queen Elizabeth II and other world leaders to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day on 5 June 2019.

In 2018, Commonwealth leaders decided that Charles would be the next Head of the Commonwealth after the Queen. In 2019, Charles and Camilla visited Cuba, becoming the first British royals to do so, to build closer ties between the two countries.

Delivering the Queen's Speech to the British Parliament on behalf of his mother, May 2022.

In 2021, Charles attended a ceremony in Barbados as it became a republic, meaning it no longer had the Queen as its head of state. This was the first time a royal family member attended such an event. In May 2022, Charles delivered the Queen's Speech to the British Parliament on her behalf.

Reign as King

Addressing the Scottish Parliament on 13 September 2022.

Charles became King on 8 September 2022, after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away. He had been the longest-serving heir to the British throne, holding the title of Prince of Wales for over 64 years. At 73, he was also the oldest person to become King of Britain.

On 9 September, Charles gave his first speech as King, honoring his mother and announcing that his elder son, William, would become the new Prince of Wales. The next day, the Accession Council officially proclaimed Charles as King in a ceremony that was televised for the first time.

Charles and Camilla after their coronation.

Charles and Camilla's coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023. The ceremony was a traditional Church of England service, including the coronation oath and anointing. In July 2023, Charles was presented with the Honours of Scotland in a special service in Edinburgh.

Since becoming King, Charles and Camilla have made and received several state visits. In November 2022, they hosted the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. In March 2023, Charles became the first British monarch to speak to the German Parliament. In September, he also spoke from France's Senate chamber during his state visit. In October 2024, the King and Queen visited Australia and Samoa.

Health

In January 2024, Charles had a medical procedure. During this, it was discovered that he had cancer. Charles shared a statement saying he was positive about his recovery and supported cancer charities. He made his first major public appearance since his diagnosis at the Easter service in March 2024. In April 2024, it was announced he would resume public duties.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Since starting the Prince's Trust in 1976, Charles has created 16 more charitable organizations. These groups, known as the Prince's Charities, work together to help in many areas, such as education, supporting young people, protecting the environment, and improving communities. They raise over £100 million each year. As Prince of Wales, Charles was also a patron or president of more than 800 other charities.

With Camilla visiting the African American Heritage Center in Louisville, Kentucky, March 2015.

Charles has also supported humanitarian projects. For example, he spoke out against the human rights issues in Romania in the past and supported a charity for Romanian orphans. He also helped create similar charitable groups in Canada and Australia.

Personal Interests

With Boris Johnson at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

Charles has always been interested in understanding Indigenous cultures. He believes their knowledge is important for protecting the land and resolving conflicts. He has connected this interest with his work on climate change and reconciliation efforts in Canada.

Built Environment

Charles has strong views on architecture and how towns are planned. He believes in traditional designs and methods for new buildings. He has often said he cares deeply about the environment, city renewal, and the quality of life in communities.

At the newly opened At-Bristol, June 2000.

In his 1989 book A Vision of Britain, he criticized modern architecture and argued for traditional styles. He has campaigned for human-scale buildings, restoring historic places, and sustainable design. Two of his charities promote these ideas. The village of Poundbury was built on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall following Charles's ideas. He also helped save Dumfries House in Scotland, which is now a museum and training center.

Charles has received awards for his work in architecture, including the Vincent Scully Prize in 2005 and the Driehaus Architecture Prize in 2012.

Natural Environment

Addressing the opening of the Paris Climate Change Conference, November 2015.

Since the 1970s, Charles has been a strong supporter of environmental protection. He launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020, which encourages putting sustainability at the center of all activities. This initiative also started the Great Reset project with the World Economic Forum, focusing on sustainable economic growth.

Visiting Hackney City Farm in East London with Camilla, May 2009.

Charles has also questioned meat consumption since 1985. He has ensured that certain foods, like foie gras, are not served at royal residences. He has given speeches at major climate conferences, like the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015 and COP26 in 2021, urging global action to prevent climate change. He also delivered the opening speech at COP28.

He is a patron of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and has funded The Royal Countryside Fund, a charity that supports farming and rural communities.

Sports

Charles (at front) at the 2005 Chakravarty Cup Match at Ham Polo Club, June 2005.

Charles was a keen player of polo until 2005. He also enjoyed fox hunting until it was banned in the UK in 2005.

He has been a passionate salmon angler (someone who fishes for salmon) since he was young. He often fishes in the River Dee in Scotland. Charles also took part in target rifle competitions and became President of the British National Rifle Association in 1977.

Arts

At a performance of Henry V at the Courtyard Theatre in 2007.

Charles has been involved in the performing arts since his youth. He is president or patron of over 20 performing arts organizations, including the Royal College of Music and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2000, he brought back the tradition of having an official harpist to promote Welsh musical talent.

He has also written several books and contributed to many others. He has appeared in and presented various documentary films.

Residences and Finances

Clarence House, Charles's London residence since 2003.

Clarence House has been Charles's official London home since 2003. Before that, he lived at Kensington Palace and York House. Highgrove House in Gloucestershire is another property he uses, which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. He also owns a property in Romania.

As Prince of Wales, Charles's main income came from the Duchy of Cornwall, which owns a large amount of land and properties. In 2023, his personal wealth was estimated to be around £1.8 billion. Much of the wealth he inherited from his mother is exempt from inheritance tax.

Titles, Styles, and Symbols

Royal cypher of Charles III, with the Tudor Crown

Scottish royal cypher of Charles III, with the Crown of Scotland

Charles holds many titles and honorary military positions across the Commonwealth. In each of his realms, he has a specific title, for example, "King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories" in Australia. In the Isle of Man, he is known as Lord of Mann. He is also styled "Defender of the Faith".

In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Charles the highest rank in all three armed services: Admiral of the Fleet (Navy), Field Marshal (Army), and Marshal of the Royal Air Force (Air Force).

Coats of Arms

When Charles was Prince of Wales, his coat of arms was based on the UK's royal arms, but with a special mark and the motto Ich dien (German for "I serve").

When he became King, he inherited the royal coats of arms of the United Kingdom and Canada. His royal symbol, called a cypher, features "CR III" (Charles Rex III) and a depiction of the Tudor Crown. This crown is now used in the royal arms of the UK and on uniforms.

Coat of arms as Prince of Wales (1958–2022)

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland

Royal coat of arms of Canada

Royal Standards and Flags

Banners of arms as Prince of Wales

Royal standard for the United Kingdom

Standard for Wales

Standard for Scotland

Banner of arms of the Duke of Cornwall

Royal standard for Canada

As Prince of Wales, Charles used different flags depending on where he was. His main flag for the UK had a special design based on his coat of arms. He also had specific flags for Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and Canada.

Royal Standards as King

United Kingdom (outside Scotland)

Scotland

Canada

Now as King, the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom is used to represent him in the UK and on official visits abroad (except in Canada). The royal standard of Canada is used when he is in Canada or acting on behalf of Canada.

Interesting Facts About Charles III

Charles is a talented watercolourist. He has published books about his art and sold some of his paintings to raise money for charity.
He is a supporter of Burnley F.C., a football club.
His own organic food brand, Duchy Originals, sells over 200 different products. The profits from these sales go to his charities.
Charles does not like chocolate, coffee, or garlic.
In 2022, it was reported that he eats a breakfast of fruit salad, seeds, and tea. He doesn't eat lunch, but has tea at 5:00 p.m. and dinner at 8:30 p.m., often working until midnight.
The holy oil used for Charles's coronation was vegan.
Instead of Charles III, the King could have chosen to reign as George VII or used one of his other given names.

Issue

Name	Birth	Marriage		Children
Name	Birth	Date	Spouse	Children
William, Prince of Wales	(1982-06-21) 21 June 1982 (age 42)	29 April 2011	Catherine Middleton	Prince George of Wales Princess Charlotte of Wales Prince Louis of Wales
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex	(1984-09-15) 15 September 1984 (age 40)	19 May 2018	Meghan Markle	Prince Archie of Sussex Princess Lilibet of Sussex

Images for kids

Charles giving a speech at the Alberta Legislature in Canada, June 1983.

Charles III facts for kids

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