Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About King Charles III

Environmental advocate. Painting Enthusiast. His Majesty. Fred. They're just a few nicknames that King Charles III will go by. But now, the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom is devoting much of his time to filling his late mother's shoes.

The king made history in September 2022 as the oldest royal to ever ascend to the throne at 73 years old. But let's take a look at how he got here, shall we?

Born to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, King Charles was raised in London with his three siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. The eldest of the four, he attended Hill House School and Trinity College. Then, in July 1969, he was crowned Prince of Wales by his mother in a televised ceremony at Caernarfon Castle—but he didn’t let that distract him from his studies. He also attended the University College of Wales to study Welsh history and language, and by June 1970, he made history as the first heir apparent to earn a University degree, after getting his Bachelor's from the University of Cambridge.

During his time there, the former Prince of Wales received Royal Air Force training, and in 1971, he flew himself to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell to train as a jet pilot. (NBD.) Charles III also followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by pursuing a naval career, enrolling in a course at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth that same year.

After serving in the military for seven years, he tied the knot with Princess Diana at St. Paul's Cathedral in 1981. Together, they welcomed two sons: Prince William, born June 1982, and Prince Harry, September 1984. However, they divorced in 1996.
Fast forward to 2005 and the would-be king married a second time to Camilla Parker Bowles. But aside from exchanging vows with his second wife, the philanthropist has since been actively involved in countless charities and causes. In fact, he’s now linked to over 400 charities and organizations (yes, you read that right), and he’s an outspoken advocate for the conservation of historic buildings.

All hail His Majesty, the king.