Everything You Need to Know About King Charles III, the King of Britain: From His Spouses to His Education

Biography of King Charles III

King Charles III, the son of Elizabeth and Prince Philip, was born on November 14, 1948, as the couple’s first son. He was born at 9:14 p.m. at Buckingham Palace in London and was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury about a month later under the name Charles Philip Arthur George. Like his father, instead of being homeschooled at Buckingham Palace, he attended Gordonstoun, a boarding school in eastern Scotland.

In 1967, he began studying history at the University of Cambridge. Now 73 years old, Charles has become the oldest member of the British royal family to ascend to the throne, waiting the longest in the monarchy's history. In recent years, as his mother's health declined, Charles increasingly took on public duties, assuming some of her responsibilities.

The Marital Life of King Charles III

As the British crown prince, Charles served for decades and married 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The wedding was watched by nearly 800 million people worldwide. The marriage made two sons, Prince William, born on June 21, 1982, and Prince Harry, born on September 15, 1984. However, Charles and Diana formally separated in 1992. Rumors of Charles’s relationship with his former flame, Camilla Parker Bowles, persisted even after his divorce and Diana's tragic death in a car accident in 1997.

In 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, years after his divorce from Diana. Initially, it was declared that Camilla would not hold the title of queen upon Charles’s accession but would instead be known as the "Princess Consort." However, in her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, Queen Elizabeth announced that Camilla would assume the title of Queen Consort when Charles ascended the throne.

Who Were Charles I and II?

Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625, and his reign was marked by turmoil that eventually led to the English Civil War. Married to a Catholic, Charles I frequently clashed with Parliament and was eventually executed in 1649. After his death, his son, Charles II, was invited back to Scotland and crowned in 1651, although he spent many years in exile before reclaiming the British throne in 1660.

What is King Charles III Known For?

Charles III has long been recognized for his social and charitable work, serving as the patron or president of over 400 organizations focused on golf, opera, and military matters. Environmental conservation has been a priority for him, even before climate change became a popular topic. An advocate for electric vehicles, he also manages an organic farm, whose products are sold in British stores.

His charity, The Prince’s Trust, teaches job skills to thousands of young Britons. Charles is also passionate about architecture, Middle Eastern art, and alternative medicine. Known for his distinctive writing style in letters to government officials, he is regarded as a sensitive man with a keen interest in gardening and watercolor painting.

What Happens After Queen Elizabeth II’s Death?

After Queen Elizabeth’s death, Charles returned to London, overseeing preparations at Buckingham Palace for her funeral. Charles's son William, now the heir apparent, takes on the title of Duke of Cornwall, and he, along with his wife, Catherine, will become the new Prince and Princess of Wales.