Prior to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III had been the heir apparent to the British throne for seven decades.
Charles held the position longer than anyone in the monarchy’s history. While waiting for his ascension, he served his country as the Prince of Wales. After serving in the military and founding his own charity, he proposed to Princess Diana in February 1981. They tied the knot in a lavish wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral in July of that year. The couple subsequently welcomed two sons, Prince William in June 1982 and Prince Harry in September 1984.
Despite starting a family together, Charles and Diana separated in December 1992. They finalized their divorce in August 1996. The prince became a single parent to their sons after Diana died in August 1997 at age 36 following a car accident. Charles ultimately married his future queen consort, Camilla Parker Bowles, in April 2005.
Following Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, Charles assumed the throne. His royal coronation took place in May 2023 at Westminster Abbey, the same place his mother was crowned as queen.
Scroll through the gallery below to relive Charles’ life in photos.
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